honorary

[on-uh-rer-ee]

adjective

1. given for honor only, without the usual requirements, duties, privileges, emoluments, etc..

   The university presented the new governor with an honorary degree.

2. holding a title or position conferred for honor only.

   an honorary president.

3. (of an obligation) depending on one's honor for fulfillment.

4. conferring or commemorating honor or distinction.

5. given, made, or serving as a token of honor.

   an honorary gift.

honorary

/ ˈɒnrərɪ, ˈɒnərərɪ /

adjective

1. 1. (esp of a position, title, etc) held or given only as an honour, without the normal privileges or duties

      an honorary degree

   2. (of a secretary, treasurer, etc) unpaid

2. having such a position or title

3. depending on honour rather than legal agreement

Other Word Forms

• honorarily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of honorary¹

First recorded in 1605–15, honorary is from the Latin word honōrārius relating to honor. See honor, -ary

Example Sentences

Oxford University will award an honorary degree to President Steinmeier, on a trip where he will learn about medical research at the university.

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In 2019, Douglas joined her for an event where Zeta-Jones was given the honorary freedom of the City and County of Swansea.

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These honorary Oscars, once part of the televised Academy Awards, were spun off into their own event in 2009.

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This time, citing his “unsubstantiated and reckless personal opinions,” the laboratory rescinded the honorary titles it had bestowed, chancellor emeritus and honorary trustee.

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He repeated his views on the link between race and intelligence in a 2019 documentary, after which the scientific community revoked his remaining honorary positions.

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Related Words

• titular