The spelling of the word "honours" can be tricky, with British and American English differing slightly in their choices of letters. In British English, the word is spelled with a "u" following the "o," resulting in the IPA transcription of /ˈɒnəz/. In American English, the "u" is dropped, resulting in the IPA transcription of /ˈɑnərz/. Both spellings are correct, and the difference is merely a matter of regional language usage. "Honours" is commonly used to refer to awards, recognition, or distinctions given for achievement or accomplishment.
Honours, as a noun, refers to acknowledgments or distinctions given in recognition of someone's achievements or contributions in a particular field or endeavor. These can include academic honors, such as degrees or diplomas awarded by educational institutions in recognition of outstanding academic performance. Additionally, honours can refer to awards or distinctions granted by organizations, societies, or governments to individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, such as an Honorary Doctorate or knighthood.
The term "honours" can also denote the physical regalia or symbols of respect and recognition that accompany these awards. This includes items such as medals, sashes, or ceremonial garments that are worn or displayed as a mark of distinction.
Furthermore, "honours" can also refer to a specialized course of study or program pursued by high-achieving students at universities or colleges. These programs often require students to maintain a higher standard of academic performance and may involve additional research or coursework beyond the regular curriculum.
As a verb, "honours" means to fulfill or respect an obligation or commitment to someone or something. It can also mean to show respect or admiration for someone, often through acts of deference or recognition. Additionally, "honours" can signify the act of participating in a ceremony or event to celebrate or signify an achievement or milestone, such as attending a graduation ceremony to receive academic honours.
Privileges of rank or birth; public marks of respect or esteem; high academic distinctions; honours of war, certain privileges or distinctions granted to a vanquished enemy, as that of marching out with military insignia; code of honour, certain rules by which social intercourse is regulated among persons of fashion; on one's honour, on the pledge of one's own reputation for integrity; to do the honours, to pay respect and attention to guests in the manner of a host, as at a private or public dinner; your honour, a common and familiar title of respect paid to untitled gentlemen by many persons in the humbler ranks-still given to some English judges.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "honours" comes from the Old French word "hono(u)rs", which is derived from the Latin word "honor", meaning "esteem, respect, dignity, reputation". The Latin word ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "ken-(d)-", which means "to care for, to desire, to strive for". This root also gave rise to words like "honesty" and "honorific" in English.