Definition

1. Noun:

   • High respect; great esteem: The quality of being worthy of respect and admiration.
   • A clear sense of what is morally right; integrity: Adherence to ethical principles.
   • A privilege or special recognition: Something given as a mark of respect or distinction.
   • A source of pride and credit: A person or thing that brings respect to something else.
   • Chastity or purity, especially of a woman: (An older, now often considered dated or sexist usage).

2. Verb:

   • To regard with great respect: To show high esteem or reverence for someone or something.
   • To fulfill an obligation or keep an agreement: To accept and pay a financial instrument like a check.
   • To confer distinction upon: To publicly recognize and reward.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • It is a matter of personal honour to tell the truth. (Adherence to moral principles)
  • She was buried with full military honours. (Ceremonial rites of respect)
  • He is an honour to his profession. (A source of credit)
  • The university awarded him the highest honours. (Academic distinction)

• Verb:

  • We honour our veterans for their service. (Show respect)
  • The bank will honour this cheque. (Accept and pay)
  • The ceremony was held to honour the brave firefighters. (Publicly recognize)

Advanced Usage

• "To do the honours": To perform a social duty or ceremony, such as serving food or making a speech.

  • As the host, would you like to do the honours and carve the roast?

• "On one's honour": Under a moral obligation; bound by one's personal integrity.

  • I promise on my honour that I will return it.

• "A point of honour": A matter that affects one's sense of pride or integrity.

  • For him, repaying the debt was a point of honour.

Variants and Related Words

• Honourable (adjective): Deserving of respect; characterized by integrity.

  • It was the honourable thing to do.

• Honorary (adjective): Conferred as an honour without the usual requirements or payment.

  • He was made an honorary member of the club.

• Honouree (noun): A person who receives an honour or award.

Synonyms

• Noun: Integrity, dignity, prestige, distinction, accolade.
• Verb: Respect, revere, esteem, celebrate, fulfill.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Honour a commitment/promise: To do what one has agreed or promised to do.

  • The company failed to honour its commitment to the workers.

• Be/feel honoured: To feel proud and pleased.

  • I am deeply honoured to accept this award.

Related Idioms

• "In honour of": As a celebration or tribute to.

  • A dinner was held in honour of the retiring professor.

• "Honour bound": Obligated by one's moral code.

  • He felt honour bound to defend his friend's reputation.

• "A badge of honour": Something worn or treated as a mark of pride, even if it is a hardship.

  • She considered the scar a badge of honour from her service.

Noun

1. a woman's virtue or chastity
2. the quality of being honorable and having a good name
   • a man of honor
3. a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
   • an award for bravery
4. the state of being honored

Verb

1. accept as pay
   • we honor checks and drafts
2. show respect towards
   • honor your parents!
3. bestow honor or rewards upon
   • Today we honor our soldiers
   • The scout was rewarded for courageous action