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

Since the news of the magazine's closing was announced in one of its editorials in August, tributes have been pouring in.

From BBC

Tennis player Martina Navratilova posted a tribute with a picture of herself and the duchess at Wimbledon, saying it was "amazing how many millions of people around the globe she affected in a positive way".

From BBC

But those close to her believe it's a tribute to her work doing deals with countries on migration in this last year that she has been given the arguably more prestigious job.

From BBC

He did, though, start his testimony this week with a tribute to David Rose, the police officer who died in the shooting.

From BBC

Judge Simon Mayo KC paid tribute to the "remarkable dignity and composure" of Mr Lucima's family, who sat through the five-month trial.

From BBC

Related Words

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