honorable mention

Meaning

1. 1nouncountable

   A formal acknowledgment given to an entrant who did not win a prize but whose work was judged good enough to be singled out.

   Grammar: British writers spell it honourable mention. It is used with receive, earn or win.

   Patterns

   • receive an honorable mention
   • an honorable mention for something

   Her short story earned an honorable mention in the regional contest.

   The robotics team did not take first place, but it received an honorable mention for design.

   He framed the certificate for his honorable mention and hung it above his desk.

Word forms

Common combinations

receive an honorable mention

Three students received an honorable mention at the science fair.

earn an honorable mention

The poem earned an honorable mention from the judges.

win an honorable mention

She won an honorable mention for her photograph.

honorable mention certificate

Each finalist got an honorable mention certificate.

deserve an honorable mention

The runner-up's performance deserves an honorable mention.

Synonyms and how they differ

commendation

Commendation is a more formal public praise, and need not be tied to a contest.

runner-up

Runner-up names the person who came second, whereas an honorable mention is a lower, unranked recognition.

special mention

Special mention is the common British wording and is used in the same way.

citation

Citation is a formal written statement of praise, often for service or bravery rather than for a contest entry.

Word family

honor noun

respect, or a special recognition

honorable adjective

deserving respect, or showing good character

mention verb

to refer to someone briefly

honorary adjective

given as an honor without the usual requirements

Commonly confused: honorable mention or honorary?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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