honor
/ˈɒnər/
noun
Origin
Latin
honos — reputation, honor, public office
Overview
Meaning Now
- High respect, esteem, or glory accorded to someone.
- A privilege or source of pride.
- Adherence to a code of moral behavior; integrity.
Literal older meaning
reputation, public estimation
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
onur
Earliest period
12th century
Journey
The term carries a long history in European social structures, transitioning from a Roman concept of public status ('honos') to a medieval code of chivalric conduct, and eventually to a personal virtue in the modern era.
Evolution
- Latin
honos
“honor, public office”
Nominative form of honorem.
- Old French
honor
“reputation, glory”
- Middle English
honour
“respect, reputation”
Adopted from Old French.
- Modern English
honor
“high esteem, moral integrity”
American spelling simplified by removal of the 'u'.
Connections
Word parts
honor
root
respect or reputation
Related across languages
French
honneur
honor
Spanish
honor
Explore next
Related to honor
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.