Honours

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. Acknowledgment or esteem granted to a person or group; A formal award representing achievement, often in academia or arts; A moral code that influences ethical behavior and decision-making
2. Public recognition given to someone for their achievements or qualities ; A specially granted title or medal marking accomplishments, typically in education or arts ; A set of values that governs a person's sense of right and wrong
3. Praise or special respect expressed toward an individual or group ; A ceremonial commendation awarded to signify notable success or merit ; An ethical framework motivating honorable behavior and choices

Etymology: "Honours" is the plural of "honour," and the plural has its own quirks in British English. The spelling with "u" is the British form; American English drops it to "honor." The noun "honour" itself has a deep Latin background: it comes from Latin "honor" (also written "honos"), meaning esteem, dignity or public regard, and it reached English through Old French "honor" in the medieval period. Because the word was used for both a reputation and the outward marks of respect, its plural took on the concrete sense of formal distinctions. A plural of "honours" today often means specific awards, such as academic degree classes or titles bestowed by a monarch or institution, and the plural form also appears in phrases like "honours degree" and "New Year Honours."

Synonyms: awards, distinctions, titles, accolades, decorations

Antonyms: disgraces, shames, dishonours, insults, ignominies