Word
man of honour
Countable noun
Definition
n. a man who can be trusted to always do what is right and keep his promises. It can also refer to a member of a criminal group like the Mafia.
n. an individual who consistently adheres to a strict code of integrity or ethical conduct. In a specific socio-legal context, it also refers to an initiated member of a criminal organization, such as the Mafia, bound by a code of silence.
Examples
“He is truly a man of honour who keeps every word.”
“The lawyer described his client as a man of honour who would never resort to deception for personal gain.”
“In the complex hierarchy of organized crime, being known as a man of honour implies a lifelong commitment to the group's rituals and its uncompromising code of omertà.”
Examples
simple
“He is truly a man of honour who keeps every word.”
contextual
“The lawyer described his client as a man of honour who would never resort to deception for personal gain.”
complex
“In the complex hierarchy of organized crime, being known as a man of honour implies a lifelong commitment to the group's rituals and its uncompromising code of omertà.”
Usage
Typically used in formal or highly social registers when referring to integrity, but carries a specialized meaning within organized crime contexts.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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