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 conscious dream was to pay tribute to what I think was so influential in the golden age of film comedy — Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn,” says Brooks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“In her memory, we invite you to enjoy a generous, fruit-filled salad, a special tribute for a very special tortoise,” the zoo’s social media post said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the actor, saying his passing "marks the end of an era in Indian cinema".

Read more on BBC

The motion goes on to say that as the council has been considering ways to honour Queen Elizabeth II, renaming it after her could be a "fitting tribute".

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On a night the Rams honored future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald with a bobblehead giveaway and other tributes, defensive end Kobie Turner and edge rusher Jared Verse each had two sacks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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