honorary
honorary Lexical Profile
honorary Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Conferred as an honor or in recognition of achievement, without the usual requirements, qualifications, or academic coursework.
"The university awarded the renowned philanthropist an honorary doctorate during the spring commencement ceremony."
Holding an office or performing duties voluntarily and without receiving payment or a regular salary.
"She served as the honorary treasurer of the local historical society for more than a decade."
British Depending purely on the honor of the parties involved rather than being legally enforceable (of a debt or obligation).
"Under traditional gaming laws, a gambling wager was treated solely as an honorary debt."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'honorary' with 'honorable': 'honorary' refers to a title, degree, or position conferred purely as an honor without the standard requirements, duties, or pay, whereas 'honorable' describes a person or action worthy of respect and high moral standing.
• Rhymes for honorary
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin 'honorarius' ('conferred as an honor'), from 'honor' ('esteem, public office, or dignity').