tribute
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for tribute, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Something said, done, or given to show respect or admiration for someone.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tribute
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin tributum, "a thing paid or contributed," from tribuere, "to assign or grant," itself related to tribus, "tribe."
Full origin of tribute →Frequently asked questions
What does “tribute” mean?
The word “tribute” means something said, done, or given to show respect or admiration for someone. In plain terms, a gesture of respect or honor for someone, or historically, a payment made to a more powerful ruler.
How do you pronounce “tribute”?
“Tribute” is pronounced TRIHB-yoot (/ˈtɹɪbjuːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “tribute” in a sentence?
Here is “tribute” used in a sentence: “Friends and family gathered to pay tribute to her life's work.”
What part of speech is “tribute”?
“Tribute” is a noun.
Where does the word “tribute” come from?
The word “tribute” comes from Latin. From Latin tributum, "a thing paid or contributed," from tribuere, "to assign or grant," itself related to tribus, "tribe.".
Is “tribute” a common word?
“Tribute” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tribute” have?
“Tribute” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something said, done, or given to show respect or admiration for someone.
What is the difference between a tribute and a compliment?
A tribute is a public act, gift, or statement made to honour someone, and is usually substantial or formal. A compliment is a brief, everyday expression of praise, often given directly in conversation.
What is the difference between the two meanings of tribute?
The modern sense is something said, done, or given to show respect or admiration. The historical sense is a payment made by one state or ruler to another, often to avoid conflict.
What are common phrases that use tribute?
Everyday collocations include tribute band, floral tribute, and to pay tribute to someone. These reflect the modern meaning of honouring a person or their work.