honour

noun

UK /ˈɒnə(r)/

Word Forms

singular	honour
plural	honours

1
uncountable the respect that people have for someone who achieves something great, is very powerful, or behaves in a way that is morally right
Shame and honour were what motivated people.
honour of:
They were prepared to die for the honour of their country.
Synonyms and related words
Feelings of love, respect and admiration
love
respect
passion
2
uncountable the belief and practice of someone who has high moral standards
It’s no longer just a legal issue, it’s a matter of honour.
a man of honour (=someone who always behaves in a morally correct way)
Synonyms and related words
Morally good or correct behaviour
virtue
goodness
purity
3
countable something you do that you are proud of
be an honour:
Being asked to perform at La Scala is an honour for any singer.
be an honour to do something:
It’s a great honour to be here with you tonight.
Synonyms and related words
Achievements
feat
accomplishment
achievement
4
countable often plurala prize that someone is given because they have achieved something important
Twenty children received honours for bravery.
top/highest honours (=the most important honours):
The town has taken the top honours in the ‘Britain in Bloom’ competition for the second year running.
Synonyms and related words
Prizes and honours for other achievements
award
prize
championship
1. 4a
  the prize of a special title given by the Queen of England
  John Tucker was made an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours.
  Synonyms and related words
  Prizes and honours for other achievements
  award
  prize
  championship
5
uncountable old-fashioneda woman’s virginity (=the fact that she has not had sex) before being married, or the fact that she has never had sex with anyone except her husband
Synonyms and related words
Virginity
virginity
maidenhead
virtue

phrases

be/feel honour bound to do something

do someone the honour of doing something

do the honours

have the honour of doing something

in honour of

it would be an honour

on my honour

to what do we owe this honour/the honour of your presence?

Your Honour

honour

US /ˈɑnər/

the British spelling of honor

View the pronunciation for honour.

honour

verb transitive

UK /ˈɒnə(r)/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	honour
he/she/it	honours
present participle	honouring
past tense	honoured
past participle	honoured

1
to show your respect or admiration for someone, especially by giving them a prize or a title, or by praising them publicly
She will be honoured for her work in promoting friendship between the two countries.
We are here today to honour the men and women who gave their lives for their country.
Synonyms and related words
To win a prize, or to award a prize
medal
award
walk off with
Synonyms and related words
To praise someone or something
praise
congratulate
compliment
2
to do what you promised to do or what it is your duty to do
honour a pledge/promise/commitment:
Demonstrators called on the Prime Minister to honour his pledge to improve healthcare.
honour a contract/agreement:
Once a contract is signed, it has to be honoured.
Synonyms and related words
To keep a promise
keep
hold to
stick to

phrases

honour a cheque

honour someone with your presence

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