tribute

[trib-yoot]

noun

1. a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem.

   Synonyms: eulogy, commendation, recognition

2. a stated sum or other valuable consideration paid by one sovereign or state to another in acknowledgment of subjugation or as the price of peace, security, protection, or the like.

3. a rent, tax, or the like, as that paid by a subject to a sovereign.

4. any exacted or enforced payment or contribution.

   Synonyms: duty, impost, toll, levy

5. obligation or liability to make such payment.

tribute

/ ˈtrɪbjuːt /

noun

1. a gift or statement made in acknowledgment, gratitude, or admiration

2. 1. a payment by one ruler or state to another, usually as an acknowledgment of submission

   2. any tax levied for such a payment

3. (in feudal society) homage or a payment rendered by a vassal to his lord

4. the obligation to pay tribute

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribute¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English tribut, from Latin tribūtum “levied payment,” noun use of neuter past participle of tribuere “to assign, allot,” verb derivative of tribus tribe

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribute¹

C14: from Latin tribūtum , from tribuere to grant (originally: to distribute among the tribes), from tribus _tribe

Example Sentences

The boxer's son Campbell, who followed his father into the boxing ring, paid tribute during the service at Manchester Cathedral.

Read more on BBC

Fury paid tribute to Hatton, nicknamed the "Hitman", on social media.

Read more on Barron's

"The situation will improve in the coming days," said Soumaïla Djitteye, thanking those involved in transporting the fuel for their "sacrifice and patriotism" and paying tribute to the security forces.

Read more on BBC

Fans and friends come and go, leaving flowers and tributes.

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The British Museum, the Louvre or Vienna’s central museums proclaim the once vast power of their nations’ empires; visitors were invited to share in the glory and pay tribute to these nations’ accomplishments.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• accolade 
• appreciation 
• compliment 
• eulogy 
• gift 
• gratitude 
• honor 
• memorial 
• recognition 
• respect