Honor Meaning and Definition
Honor
Pronunciation
/ˈɒnər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A sense of honor refers to a person’s or organization’s virtue or reputation earned through consistent practice of morally good actions, self-discipline, and moral courage.
Examples
1. “He sold his stocks to honor his financial commitment to charity.”
2. “The company’s reputation suffered when it failed to honor its warranty promises.”
Synonyms
1. Integrity
2. Dignity
Antonyms
1. Dishonor
2. Shame
Additional Information
Honor can be earned through various actions, such as keeping promises, being truthful, respecting others’ rights, and adhering to a personal code of ethics.
It plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s or organization’s reputation and is essential for building trust and credibility in personal and professional relationships.
Throughout history, honor has been a driving force behind various cultures, societies, and traditions, often serving as a catalyst for great achievements and values.
In modern times, honor is often associated with personal and professional integrity, as well as respect for laws, regulations, and community norms.
However, honor can also be lost through actions that compromise one’s integrity, such as dishonesty, betrayal, or disregard for others’ rights and feelings.
Recovering honor often requires acknowledging past mistakes, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and working to regain trust and credibility through consistent good behavior.
Etymology
The word “honor” originates from the Old French honor, meaning “good name, dignity” or the Latin honos, denoting “dignity, respect.”
Usage Notes
Honor can be used as a noun, meaning a person’s or organization’s reputation, or as a verb, indicating an act of showing respect or giving promise to someone or something.
For example, “She honored her parents by taking care of them in their old age” or “The company honored its employees with a bonus for their hard work.”
Cultural References
Honor has been a recurring theme in various cultures and societies throughout history, often associated with codes of conduct, chivalry, and personal integrity.
For example, the concept of Bushido in Japan emphasizes the importance of honor, loyalty, and self-discipline in the samurai class.
In ancient Greece, honor was a key aspect of the concept of “arete,” which referred to the ideal of moral excellence and virtue.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Honor among thieves” – implies a sense of loyalty and trust among individuals who are often considered to be dishonest or untrustworthy.
2. “Honor thy father and thy mother” – a biblical commandment emphasizing the importance of respecting and caring for one’s parents.
Collocations
1. “Honor system” – a system where individuals are trusted to act with integrity and honesty.
2. “Honor roll” – a list of students who have achieved academic excellence.
Frequency of Use
Honor is a relatively common word in modern language, often used in various contexts, including personal and professional settings.
According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, honor is used in approximately 1.4% of all written texts.
Common Misspellings
1. “Honour” (British English spelling)
2. “Honner” (common misspelling)