# honor

/ˈɑnɝ/ (US) · /ˈɒnɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/honor
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. high respect

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

great respect and admiration for someone who is successful or important.

For teachers: public recognition of importance, value, or merit; high respect or veneration.

- The city held a parade in honor of the returning Olympic athletes.
- The university established a scholarship in honor of the late professor to recognize his lifelong commitment to social justice.

### 2. moral character

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

For teachers: the state of being morally upright, virtuous, and honest; excellence of character.

- He is a man of honor who would never break a promise.
- The code of honor among the officers dictated that they must always prioritize the safety of their subordinates over their own.

### 3. a privilege

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

something that makes you feel proud and happy to do.

For teachers: a privilege or source of pride that confers distinction upon the person experiencing it.

- It was a great honor to meet the president at the white house.
- She considered it a distinct honor to be invited to deliver the keynote address at the international symposium.

### 4. an award

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a prize or title given to someone to show they have done something great.

For teachers: a token of praise or respect, such as a prize, award, or title given by an authority.

- She graduated with high honors after four years of hard work.
- The scientist received the nation's highest civilian honor for her groundbreaking research in renewable energy.

### 5. to show respect

verb · CEFR B2 · American English

to show great respect for someone or something.

For teachers: to regard or treat with high respect; to recognize the importance or value of.

- We should honor the veterans who served our country.
- The ceremony was designed to honor the indigenous ancestors who had inhabited the land for centuries before the settlement.

### 6. to fulfill an agreement

verb · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

to do what you promised or what an agreement says.

For teachers: to conform to or act in accordance with a promise, agreement, or request.

- The company promised to honor the original price for all customers.
- The bank refused to honor the check because the account lacked sufficient funds to cover the transaction.

### 7. to bestow a privilege

verb · CEFR C1 · American English · Formal

to give someone a special pride or privilege.

For teachers: to confer a distinction or privilege upon someone.

- I am honored that you asked me to be your bridesmaid.
- The committee was honored to host the visiting delegation, providing them with a comprehensive tour of the new facilities.

## Examples

- It is a great honor to meet the president.
- The retired teacher was a guest of honor at the school's fiftieth anniversary celebration.
- The military academy emphasizes a strict code of honor, requiring students to maintain personal integrity and accountability even when no authority figure is present to observe them.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.