honour
UK: ˈɒnə | US: ˈɑːnər
n. high respect or esteem; a privilege or special recognition
vt. to regard with great respect; to fulfill an obligation (e.g., a promise)
honour = hon<esteem> + our<noun suffix>
- hon<esteem>: From Latin honos/honor (dignity, reputation, office).
- our<noun suffix>: A variant of the Latin -or suffix, denoting state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word honour traces back to Latin honor, which originally referred to public esteem, dignity, or political office. It entered Old French as honor or honur, later evolving into Middle English honour with the same core meaning. The spelling with -our reflects Norman French influence, distinguishing it from the American English honor. The root hon- consistently conveys the idea of respect or dignity across its linguistic journey.
She was awarded a medal in honour of her bravery.
It is an honour to meet such a respected scholar.
They held a ceremony to honour the fallen soldiers.
He swore to honour his father’s last wish.
The university bestowed its highest honour upon the Nobel laureate.