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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Honour: Definition, Usage & Key Distinctions (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：public esteem (honour)

honour 🔊

/ˈɒnə(r)/

Public respect and admiration given to someone because of their good actions, achievements, or high moral character.

Honour illustrated by a gold medal awarded to an athlete on a podium.

public esteem 🔊

➕

/ˈpʌblɪk ɪˈstiːm/

The state of being widely admired and respected due to one's good deeds, accomplishments, or noble character.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'honor' meaning respect, esteem, dignity. Root 'honos' signifies public praise.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a HONOURable person getting a medal ON the ORdinary day, because they did something extraordinary.

📖 Example

It was a great honour for the young scientist to receive the award from such a respected institution. 🔊 It was a significant mark of public esteem for the young scientist to be granted the award by such a prestigious institution.

🔗 Collocations

in honour of – as a tribute to or to show respect for someone or something

guard of honour – a ceremonial group of people formed to welcome an important person

honours list – an official list of people awarded titles or medals for public service

🔄 Synonyms

prestige (n.) – Widespread respect and admiration based on reputation or achievement.

distinction (n.) – Special recognition for outstanding achievement.

renown (n.) – The condition of being known and talked about by many people; fame.

🚫 Antonyms

disgrace (n.) – Loss of respect or honour due to shameful conduct.

shame (n.) – A painful feeling of humiliation caused by awareness of wrong or foolish behavior.

🌱 Derivatives

honourable (adj.) – Deserving of respect or honour; adhering to ethical principles.

honorary (adj.) – Given as a mark of honour, without the usual requirements or duties.

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English via Old French 'honor', from Latin 'honor, honos'. In medieval Europe, honour was a cornerstone of chivalric code, governing knights' behaviour. Today, it remains central to formal recognitions like honours lists and military awards.

Meaning 2：personal integrity (honour)

honour 🔊

/ˈɒnə(r)/

Strong personal beliefs about what is morally right and wrong, which guide your actions and make you a trustworthy person.

personal integrity 🔊

➕

/ˈpɜːsənl ɪnˈteɡrəti/

The adherence to a strong personal moral code that dictates what is right and wrong, guiding one's actions and establishing trustworthiness.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

He returned the lost wallet full of money to its owner, stating it was a matter of personal honour. 🔊 He gave the lost wallet, which contained a lot of cash, back to its owner, explaining that doing so was a question of his personal integrity.

🔗 Collocations

code of honour – a set of personal rules governing moral behaviour

on my honour – a solemn pledge that one is telling the truth or will fulfil a promise

defend one's honour – to protect one's personal reputation for integrity

🔄 Synonyms

integrity (n.) – The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.

rectitude (n.) – Morally correct behaviour or thinking; righteousness.

probity (n.) – The quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.

🚫 Antonyms

dishonesty (n.) – Lack of honesty or integrity; deceitfulness.

corruption (n.) – Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, often involving bribery.

🌱 Derivatives

honourable (adj.) – Characterised by integrity and adherence to ethical principles.