# honors

/ˈɑnɝz/ (US) · /ˈɒnəz/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. awards or respect

noun · CEFR B2

special awards or high praise given to someone for doing something great.

For teachers: formal accolades, awards, or public expressions of high respect bestowed upon an individual for significant achievements.

- The retired general received full military honors during the ceremony.
- The scientist was humbled to receive the highest honors the university could bestow, recognizing forty years of groundbreaking research in genetics.

### 2. advanced school classes

adjective · CEFR B2 · American English

describes school classes that are more difficult or for students with high grades.

For teachers: denoting a course of study or a class designed for students who have shown exceptional academic ability.

- She is taking honors chemistry because she wants to be a doctor.
- Enrolling in honors programs often requires a minimum grade point average and a formal recommendation from a previous instructor.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

### 3. academic distinction

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a high level of success in a university degree.

For teachers: a distinction conferred on a university degree for high proficiency or a specific program of study beyond the pass level.

- He graduated with first-class honors in history last summer.
- To graduate with honors, students must complete an original thesis and maintain a superior academic record throughout their four years of study.

## Examples

- She graduated with honors after four years of hard work.
- The university offers an honors program for students who maintain a high grade point average and complete a thesis.
- 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.

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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.