Words / B1

ON-uh/ˈɒnə/

Honour (UK spelling; US honor) is respect people have for you because of good behaviour: a great honour; in honour of; it is an honour to meet you. Pride can be inner; honour is more public respect or a privilege. Honourable is the adjective. As a verb: honour a promise / a contract means keep it. Guest of honour sits in the important place. Do not use honour for a school “honors course” — that is mainly US English.

Meaning

Respect that people have for you because of your good behaviour.

Examples

• “It was an honour to meet the author.”
• “He felt it was an honour to be invited to speak.”
• “A statue was put up in honour of the inventor.”

Good to know

an honour to + verb. in honour of. UK spelling: honour. Verb: honour a promise. Adjective: honourable. Privilege / public respect.

Near in meaning

privilege

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