Honour

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɒnə(ɹ)/

Definitions

1. A high regard or respect for someone or something ; a privilege or recognition given to acknowledge merit or achievement ; to fulfill an obligation or promise with integrity
2. Regard shown through respect and esteem ; a special mark of distinction or award ; to carry out an agreement or maintain a commitment
3. The quality of being respected or admired ; an official mark of acknowledgment or distinction ; to act according to a pledge or duty faithfully

Etymology: Honour came into English from Anglo-Norman "honour" and Old French "honor", both descended from Latin "honor", meaning respect, dignity or public esteem. The word displaced an older English word, "hād", which once meant rank or condition, and the Old English-rooted "menske", borrowed from Old Norse "menskr", which survives today in "mense", meaning propriety or civility. The noun's modern senses grew out of that idea of public standing. Something held in honour was something worthy of regard, so the word came to cover both a personal reputation for integrity and a formal recognition of achievement, such as the awards still given out each year. The sense of keeping a promise with integrity grew from the same root, since a person of honour was expected to honour their word. The verb followed from Middle English "honouren" and "honuren", meaning to show respect toward someone, and it is the form used in phrases such as honouring a debt or honouring a commitment. The American spelling "honor" keeps the Latin form more closely, while British and Commonwealth English retain the "u" added through French.

Synonyms: respect, esteem, reverence, dignity, integrity

Antonyms: dishonor, disrespect, shame, contempt, scorn