honor

The word “honor” means great respect or high regard, often earned through integrity or achievement. In plain terms, deep respect, personal integrity, or the act of showing respect or keeping a promise.

“Honor” is pronounced ON-uh (/ˈɑ.nɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “honor” used in a sentence: “It was an honor to be asked to give the toast at the wedding.”

Words with a similar meaning to “honor” include chivalry, glory and gentlemanliness.

The opposite of “honor” — its antonyms — are dishonor and dishonour.

Depending on how it is used, “honor” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “honor” comes from Latin. From Old French honor, from Latin honor.

“Honor” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

There is no difference in meaning — only in spelling. Honor is the American spelling, while honour is used in British and most Commonwealth English. The same applies to related words like honorable and honourable. Choose the spelling that matches your audience and use it consistently throughout a piece of writing.

Respect is admiration or regard for someone or something. Honor is deeper and weightier: great respect earned through integrity, courage, or achievement, and it often carries a moral dimension. You can respect a person's talent, but you honor their character. Honor also tends to imply public recognition in a way respect need not.

Yes, strongly so. Honor conveys esteem, dignity, and moral worth, whether describing the respect someone receives or the principles they live by. Being called honorable is high praise. It turns negative only in its opposite forms — dishonor or disgrace — which describe the loss of that respect and standing.

Honor appears in several ways: receiving an award or medal is being given an honor; keeping your word out of principle shows personal honor; and calling something an honor marks it as a privilege, as in it was an honor to speak. Each reflects deep respect, whether given or held.