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Meaning & use

honorary

adjective·Academicformal

Last updated

UK/ˈɒn.ər.ər.i/
US/ˈɑː.nə.rer.i/

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a noun

    Given as a mark of respect, without the usual requirements, exams or duties.

    Grammar: Appears before nouns such as degree or member.

    Patterns

    • an honorary degree
    • an honorary member

    The university gave her an honorary degree.

    He was made an honorary citizen of the town.

    The club named her an honorary member.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounBritish

    Holding a position without being paid for it.

    Grammar: Often in British titles: honorary secretary.

    Patterns

    • honorary secretary
    • honorary treasurer

    She serves as honorary treasurer of the society.

    The honorary chairman receives no salary.

    He took an honorary role on the committee.

  3. adjectivebefore a nounhumorous

    Treated informally as belonging to a group, although not truly part of it.

    Grammar: Often playful: an honorary uncle.

    Patterns

    • an honorary something

    Our neighbor is an honorary member of the family.

    He became the team's honorary mascot.

    She is an honorary aunt to my kids.

Common combinations

honorary degree
The author received an honorary degree.
honorary member
He is an honorary member of the club.
honorary title
The honorary title carries no powers.
honorary president
An honorary president opened the event.
honorary citizen
The mayor named him an honorary citizen.

Synonyms and how they differ

unpaid
Unpaid describes work with no salary, but honorary also suggests respect.
titular
Titular means holding a title without real power, often critically.
ceremonial
Ceremonial relates to ritual or formal events.
voluntary
Voluntary means done by choice, not necessarily as an honor.

Opposites

earnedpaid

Word family

honor noun
respect or public recognition
honor verb
to show respect for
honorable adjective
deserving respect
honorific noun
a title expressing respect

Commonly confused: honorary or honorable?

honorary vs honorable

Honorable means deserving respect for good character. Honorary means given as a symbolic honor.

Practice

What does an honorary degree show?

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