Honorific - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An honorific is a title or term of respect used to address or refer to someone, such as Mr., Dr., or Your Majesty, often indicating their status, profession, or rank.
Definition:
A title or term showing respect or esteem for someone's status or position.
Synonyms:
respectful, deferential, reverential, laudatory
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
disrespectful, derogatory
Common Collocations:
honorific title, honorific term, honorific language, honorific suffix
Derivatives:
honorifically, honorificness
Usage Tips:
Use "honorific" to describe titles like "Dr." or "Sir" that convey respect in formal contexts.
Common Phrases:
honorific title, honorific speech, honorific address
Etymology:
Derived from Latin "honorificus," combining "honor" (esteem) and "-ficus" (making).
Examples:
- 1. The king was addressed with an honorific title during the ceremony.
- 2. She prefers using honorific terms like "Professor" in academic settings.
- 3. In Japan, "-san" is a common honorific suffix added to names.
- 4. The diplomat received an honorific award for his contributions to peace.
- 5. Avoid dropping honorifics when speaking to elders in many cultures.