honours

Everyday

1. Awards, titles or special praise given to someone for great work or bravery. tree →
2. A higher level of a university degree: «an honours degree». tree →
3. «With honours» means with extra praise for very good results. tree →
4. (verb) He or she shows respect or keeps a promise: «She always honours her word». tree →

In the lessons

In news and history: «the King's Birthday Honours» (UK, Australia, NZ) list people given titles like «MBE» or «knighthood»; «full military honours» is a special ceremony for soldiers. In school: «graduated with honours». Phrase: «do the honours» = do a special job like cutting a cake or pouring tea.

Examples

• She received many honours for her work as a nurse. tree →
• He graduated from university with honours. tree →
• The soldier was buried with full military honours. tree →
• Would you like to do the honours and cut the cake? tree →
• The New Year Honours list includes a local teacher. tree →
• The club always honours its best players at the end of the season. tree →
• The Dioscuri received divine honours throughout Greece, and were worshipped with special reverence at Sparta. tree →

Note

US spelling «honors». Silent «h»: «an honours degree». Plural noun and verb look the same: read the sentence to see which one it is.