honorary

CEFRB2

/ˈɑn.əˌɹɛɹ.i/

adjective · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Given as an honor without the usual duties or payment.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    Unofficial; practically. Describes the holder of an unofficial position or title that is assigned as a special honor rather than by normal channels.

Examples

  • The college bestowed an honorary degree on him.

  • General Franks received an honorary knighthood.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meaning

  1. Given as an honor, with no duties attached, and without payment.

noun

Extra meanings

  1. A person who holds an honorary appointment.

  2. A kind of secret society that operates in name only, with membership given to honor some achievement.

More examples

In context

  • I consider you an honorary member of our family because you've been with us for so long.

  • Megsie is an honorary employee because she helps other customers while she shops here.

  • honorary degree; honorary citizen

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The university gave him an blank degree for his charitable work.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

From honor + -ary, modelled after French honoraire, from Latin honōrārius.