Reading Theme:
Tribute Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：act of admiration (tribute)
tribute
/ˈtrɪbjuːt/
n.
Something that you say, do, or give to show publicly that you admire and respect someone's great achievement or contribution.
act of admiration
➕
/ækt əv ˌædməˈreɪʃən/
n.
An expression of gratitude, respect, or admiration, often formal and public, for someone's work or character.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'tributum', meaning 'a thing paid/contributed'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a TRIal where you must offer a valuable contribution (a 'BUTE') to show respect.
📖 Example
The award winner gave a moving speech that was a beautiful tribute to his former teacher who inspired him.
The winner's emotional speech served as a wonderful act of admiration for the teacher who motivated him.
🔗 Collocations
pay tribute to – To formally express admiration or respect for someone.
a fitting tribute – An appropriate or suitable way to honor someone.
a tribute band – A musical group that performs the songs of a famous band as a form of homage.
🔄 Synonyms
homage (n.) – Special honor or respect shown publicly.
commendation (n.) – Praise, typically given for an achievement.
accolade (n.) – An award or privilege granted as a special honor.
🚫 Antonyms
criticism (n.) – The expression of disapproval based on perceived faults.
insult (n.) – A disrespectful or scornful remark or action.
disrespect (n.) – Lack of respect or courtesy.
🌱 Derivatives
tributary (adj./n.) – (Adj.) paying tribute; subordinate. (N.) a stream feeding a larger river.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'tributum' (a payment). In ancient Rome, it referred to taxes paid by provinces. The meaning expanded to include formal gifts to superiors, then generalized to any act showing admiration.
Meaning 2：payment of obedience (tribute)
tribute
/ˈtrɪbjuːt/
n.
In history, money, goods, etc. that a weaker country regularly gives to a stronger one to show obedience and to avoid attack.
payment of obedience
➕
/ˈpeɪmənt əv əˈbiːdiəns/
n.
A historical payment, often in goods or money, made by one state or ruler to another as a sign of submission or to secure peace.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In ancient times, the small kingdom sent gold and silk as an annual tribute to the Roman emperor to maintain peace.
To keep peaceful relations, the kingdom sent gold and silk yearly to the Roman emperor as a payment of obedience.
🔗 Collocations
exact tribute – To demand payment from a weaker power.
annual tribute – A payment made once every year.
send tribute – To dispatch goods or money as a sign of submission.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
independence (n.) – The state of being free from external control.
sovereignty (n.) – Supreme power or authority of a state to govern itself.
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