# honorary

/ˈɑnɝˌɛɹi/ (US) · /ˈɒnəɹəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/honorary
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. given as an honor

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

given as a special honor to someone, even if they did not do the usual work or study for it.

For teachers: conferred as an honor, typically without the recipient having fulfilled the standard requirements or being expected to perform the usual duties.

- The university gave the famous writer an honorary degree during the graduation ceremony.
- The university decided to confer an honorary doctorate upon the philanthropist in recognition of her lifelong commitment to global literacy.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

### 2. unpaid or voluntary

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

describing a job or position that someone does for free, usually for a club or charity.

For teachers: holding a title or position without receiving a salary or regular payment; often used for administrative roles in voluntary organisations.

- He serves as the honorary treasurer for the local tennis club.
- Despite being an honorary position with no financial remuneration, the role of secretary requires a significant commitment of time and expertise.

Usage: Commonly used in the titles of officers in societies and clubs.

### 3. a person with an honorary title

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a person who has been given an honorary title or position.

For teachers: a person who holds an honorary appointment or title.

- The honoraries were invited to sit at the front of the hall.
- The gala dinner was attended by several honoraries of the society, all of whom had contributed significantly to the field of architecture.

## Examples

- The university gave the famous writer an honorary degree.
- She serves as the honorary president of the charity, though she does not manage its daily operations.
- While the position is purely honorary and carries no voting rights, its occupant provides significant prestige and helps attract high-level donors to the foundation's annual gala.

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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.