ENGLISH
REFERENCE

honors

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɑnɝz// UK //ˈɒnəz// hon·ors

n. special recognition or high marks given to a student for doing excellent work. You might receive these at a graduation ceremony or on a diploma.

n. high academic distinction conferred upon a student for superior performance in their studies. Often used in the plural to refer to the specific awards or the status of a degree program.


SIMPLE

She graduated with honors after four years of hard work.

CONTEXTUAL

The university offers an honors program for students who maintain a high grade point average and complete a thesis.

COMPLEX

While the standard curriculum provides a broad overview, the honors track requires students to engage in independent research and defend their findings before a faculty committee.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural ('honors') when referring to academic distinctions or graduation status.

Pitfall

He received an honor in mathHe received honors in mathIn an academic context, the plural form 'honors' is the standard way to describe high marks or graduation distinctions.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference