honor

/'ɔnə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
honor

A soldier receives a medal for his honor.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • High respect, esteem, or admiration: The quality of being worthy of respect, admiration, or high regard.
    • A clear sense of ethical conduct; integrity: Adherence to what is right or to a conventional standard of conduct.
    • A special recognition or privilege: A mark of respect or distinction, such as an award or title.
    • A source of credit or distinction: A person or thing that confers respect or brings esteem.
  2. Verb:

    • To regard or treat with respect and admiration: To show high esteem for someone or something.
    • To fulfill an obligation or keep an agreement: To accept and pay (e.g., a check) or to adhere to the terms of (e.g., a promise).
    • To confer honor upon; to bestow an award or privilege: To publicly recognize and reward.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:

    • It is a matter of personal honor to tell the truth. (The principle of integrity compels one to be truthful.)
    • He received the highest honor the nation can bestow. (He was given the nation's most prestigious award.)
    • She is an honor to her profession. (She brings credit and respect to her field of work.)
  • Verb:

    • We honor our veterans for their service. (We show public respect and gratitude to veterans.)
    • The bank will honor this check. (The bank will accept and pay the value of this check.)
    • Please honor your commitment to finish the project. (Please fulfill the promise you made.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to be on one's honor": to be trusted to act responsibly without supervision, based on one's personal integrity.
    • The students were on their honor not to cheat during the take-home exam.
  • "honor bound": morally obligated to do something.
    • I felt honor bound to help him after all he had done for me.
  • "point of honor": a matter affecting one's self-respect or reputation.
    • For him, repaying the debt was a point of honor.
Variants and Related Words
  • Honorable (adjective): Deserving of honor and respect; characterized by integrity.
    • He made an honorable decision.
  • Honorary (adjective): Conferred as an honor, without the usual requirements or obligations.
    • She was given an honorary degree from the university.
  • Honors (noun, plural): Special distinctions for high academic or other achievement.
    • She graduated with honors.
Synonyms
  • Noun: Respect, esteem, integrity, distinction, accolade.
  • Verb: Respect, revere, esteem, fulfill, acknowledge.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
  • Honor with: To confer a favor or distinction upon someone.
    • The queen honored him with a knighthood.
  • Do the honors: To perform a ceremonial duty, such as serving food or making an introduction.
    • Would you please do the honors and cut the cake?
Related Idioms
  • A badge of honor: Something worn or treated as a mark of pride, even if it is a criticism or hardship.
    • She wore the criticism as a badge of honor.
  • In honor of: As a celebration or tribute to.
    • The ceremony was held in honor of the founding members.
  • Your Honor: A title of respect used when addressing a judge.
    • Yes, Your Honor, I understand the charge.
honor

A soldier receives a medal for his honor.

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