tribute
Tribute (noun) means something said, done, or given to show respect or admiration for someone. Example: “Friends and family gathered to pay tribute to her life's work.”
How to use tribute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gesture of respect or honor for someone, or historically, a payment made to a more powerful ruler.
Word forms
tributed past tense, tributes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Friends and family gathered to pay _____ to her life's work.
Etymology
From Latin tributum, "a thing paid or contributed," from tribuere, "to assign or grant," itself related to tribus, "tribe."
Related words
Rhymes for tribute
See all rhymes for 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.
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