honorary
- 01 C1 Advanced
adj.given as a special honor to someone, even if they did not do the usual work or study for it.
adj.conferred as an honor, typically without the recipient having fulfilled the standard requirements or being expected to perform the usual duties.
Simple“The university gave the famous writer an honorary degree during the graduation ceremony.”
In context“The university decided to confer an honorary doctorate upon the philanthropist in recognition of her lifelong commitment to global literacy.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies.
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.describing a job or position that someone does for free, usually for a club or charity.
adj.holding a title or position without receiving a salary or regular payment; often used for administrative roles in voluntary organisations.
Simple“He serves as the honorary treasurer for the local tennis club.”
In context“Despite being an honorary position with no financial remuneration, the role of secretary requires a significant commitment of time and expertise.”
UsageCommonly used in the titles of officers in societies and clubs.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a person who has been given an honorary title or position.
n.a person who holds an honorary appointment or title.
Simple“The honoraries were invited to sit at the front of the hall.”
In context“The gala dinner was attended by several honoraries of the society, all of whom had contributed significantly to the field of architecture.”
Synonymsawardeerecipient
“In 2022, his vision and leadership was celebrated with an honorary chair in creative health and social change at the University of Manchester.”
“He was one of the few humans "to have earned the title of honorary Muppet", the Muppets account posted on Tuesday.”
From honor + -ary, modelled after French honoraire, from Latin honōrārius.
From Latin honōrārium.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.