Definition

1. Noun:
   • Honor, glory, or recognition for achievement: The state of being honored, especially for a significant accomplishment.
   • A tangible symbol of honor or distinction: An award, such as a wreath, medal, or title, given to signify approval or commemorate an achievement.
   • A specific award for bravery: A decoration or honor conferred for acts of courage.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She finally received her laurels for a lifetime of scientific discovery.
  • The poet rested on his laurels after winning the prestigious prize.
  • The soldier was awarded the highest laurels for his valor in combat.

Advanced Usage

• "to rest on one's laurels": to be satisfied with one's past achievements and stop trying to achieve new things.
  • After his first successful novel, he was careful not to rest on his laurels and continued to write diligently.
• "to win/gain laurels": to earn honors or recognition.
  • The team gained new laurels with their championship victory.

Variants and Related Words

• Laureate (n): A person who is honored with an award for outstanding creative or intellectual achievement.
  • The Nobel laureate gave a lecture on quantum physics.
• Laurel (n): As a singular noun, it can refer to the evergreen shrub or tree whose leaves were used in ancient times to make wreaths of honor. This is the source of the symbolic meaning.
  • A wreath of laurel was placed upon the champion's head.

Synonyms

• Honors: High respect or esteem, formal recognition.
• Accolades: Awards or privileges granted as a special honor.
• Distinctions: Excellence that sets someone or something apart from others.

Related Idioms

• "Look to one's laurels": to be careful not to lose one's superior position to a rival.
  • The reigning champion must look to his laurels, as several young contenders are rising quickly.

Noun

1. the state of being honored
2. a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
   • an award for bravery