26984 words

honour

20 definitions • 33 examples
1
a quality that combines respect, being proud, and honesty:

Examples:

a man of honour
We fought for the honour of our country.
2
in order to celebrate or show great respect for someone or something:

Examples:

a banquet in honour of the president
3
to feel you must do something because it is morally right, even if you do not want to do it:

Examples:

I felt honour bound to tell him the truth.
4
to make someone proud and happy by doing or being something:

Examples:

Would you do me the honour of accompanying me to the New Year Ball?
5
the way to address or refer to a judge:

Examples:

Yes, Your Honour.
The case was dealt with by Her Honour Judge Kirkham.
6

Examples:

She received an honour for her services to the community.
The honours were the personal gift of the Queen.
with full military honours He was buried with full military honours (= with a special celebration to show respect).
7
a university course or degree that is at a higher level than an ordinary one:

Examples:

He graduated with a second-class honours degree in physics.
Normally a student would graduate at the age of 22 after a four-year honours course.
8
If you complete a school or university qualification with honours, you achieve a high standard:

Examples:

She graduated with honours in June 1970.
9
in golf, the fact of being the first player to hit the ball for a particular hole:

Examples:

He had the honour on the tee at the long 12th and hit his best drive.
If I happen to win a hole, she offers me the honour at the next tee.
10
a picture card, or a ten in the game of bridge (= card game for four players who play in pairs):

Examples:

Rather than start with a low card, many players prefer to lead their top honour.
She had a long string of hearts including the top honour cards.
11
to show great respect for someone or something, especially in public:

Examples:

formal We are honoured (= proud and happy) to have you here tonight.
I would be honoured to meet him.
12
To honour a promise or agreement is to do what you said you would:

Examples:

They decided not to honour an existing order for aircraft.
13
to give someone public praise or a reward:

Examples:

be honoured for He was honoured for his bravery.
be honoured with He was honoured with a knighthood.
14
to do what you promised or agreed to do:

Examples:

honour an agreement/contract/deal All existing contracts will be honoured.
honour a commitment/pledge/promise
15
to allow a cheque, ticket, etc. to be used:

Examples:

The bank was contractually obliged to honour the cheque even when this put the account into the red.
16
to pay money owed:

Examples:

to honour a claim/debt
17
respect that people have for a person or an organization:

Examples:

The world's top investment banks are competing for the honour and income that comes from winning these contracts.
a badge of honour A high credit rating is a badge of honour for the treasuries of developed economies.
18

Examples:

be awarded/receive an honour
a great/high/huge honour She has been awarded one of the highest honors in business and technology by the US government.
19

Examples:

an honours degree
to graduate with honours
20
the title of respect used when speaking to a judge:

Examples:

"I object, Your Honour", he said.

Navigation