honor someone

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   To show deep respect for a person, often publicly or through a ceremony or award.

   Grammar: Takes a direct object naming the person: honor someone with an award.

   Patterns

   • honor someone with something
   • honor someone for something
   • honor someone by doing something

   The school honored the retiring teacher with a plaque.

   They held a dinner to honor the soldiers who had served overseas.

   She was honored for her years of volunteer work in the community.

2. 2phraseidiom

   To keep a promise, agreement, or duty toward someone.

   Grammar: Used with abstract nouns like a promise, a contract, or a debt as the object.

   Patterns

   • honor a promise to someone
   • honor an agreement with someone

   He honored his promise to pay back the loan.

   The company honored its contract with the supplier.

Common combinations

honor a guest

The embassy honored its guest with a formal reception.

honor the memory of someone

A minute of silence honored the memory of the victims.

feel honored

I feel honored to be invited to speak here.

honor someone's wishes

We honored her wishes and kept the ceremony small.

Synonyms and how they differ

respect

Respect is the general everyday feeling of admiration; honor is stronger and often shown publicly or formally.

pay tribute to

This is close in meaning but usually refers to a public speech, event, or gesture rather than a personal feeling.

celebrate

Celebrate focuses on marking a happy occasion with a party or praise, while honor stresses respect and seriousness.

Opposites

Word family

honor noun

The quality of being respected, or a mark of respect.

honorable adjective

Deserving respect because of honest, moral behavior.

honorary adjective

Given as an honor without the usual duties or payment, as in an honorary degree.

honoree noun

The person who is being honored at an event.

Commonly confused: honor someone or honour? honor someone or award?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “honor someone”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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