Honor vs. Award: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 29, 2023
"Honor" refers to the respect or high esteem given to someone, while an "award" is a tangible recognition or prize for specific achievements or qualities.
Key Differences
"Honor" and "award" are two words that often crop up when discussing recognition or appreciation. "Honor" essentially refers to the high regard or respect accorded to someone, often based on their character, achievements, or position. An "award," on the other hand, is more specific and is usually a tangible item or title given to recognize particular achievements or qualities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
In terms of grammar, both "honor" and "award" function primarily as nouns but can also be used as verbs. To "honor" someone means to show them respect or high regard, whereas to "award" someone means to give them a specific prize or recognition.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
"Honor" can exist purely in the abstract, meaning it can be held as a sentiment in the hearts and minds of individuals. "Award" generally implies a physical manifestation of recognition such as a trophy, certificate, or medal.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Idiomatically, "honor" is used in expressions like "it's an honor to meet you," which conveys a sense of respect or high esteem. "Award" is often found in contexts like "award ceremony," which implies a formal event where prizes are distributed for specific accomplishments.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
To summarize, "honor" is a broader concept that entails respect or high esteem that can be either tangible or intangible. An "award" is usually a tangible form of recognition given for specific achievements or qualities.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Context
Broad, can relate to character or achievement
Specific, usually tied to particular achievements
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Idiomatic Expressions
"It's an honor," "honor roll"
"Award ceremony," "award-winning"
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
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Honor and Award Definitions
Honor
Moral integrity or strong principles.
He acted with honor in difficult circumstances.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
Award
A legal judgment or decision.
The court awarded damages to the plaintiff.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
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Award
A mark of distinction.
The restaurant has received several culinary awards.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Honor
High respect, as that shown for special merit; recognition or esteem
The honor shown to a Nobel laureate.
The place of honor at the table.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
A grant or scholarship.
She received an award for her academic excellence.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
Award
To grant an amount or other benefit legally due
Awarded damages to the plaintiff.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A mark, token, or gesture of respect or distinction, such as a military decoration.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
(legal) A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
Special recognition for unusual academic achievement
Graduated with honors.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
(legal) The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A program of advanced study for exceptional students
Planned to take honors in history.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
A trophy or medal; something that denotes an accomplishment, especially in a competition. A prize or honor based on merit.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
A negotiated minimum wage that is set for a particular trade or industry; an industrial award.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
Honor Used with His, Her, or Your as a title and form of address for certain officials, such as judges and the mayors of certain cities
Her Honor, Judge Jones.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
(transitive) To give (an award).
Four or five of these medals are awarded every year.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A sense of principled uprightness of character; personal integrity
Conducted herself with honor.
Saw the challenge as a matter of honor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
(transitive) To give (a person) an award.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A code of integrity, dignity, and pride, chiefly among men, that was maintained in some societies, as in feudal Europe, by force of arms.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case.
The arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case; to adjudge; as, the arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant.
To reviewThe wrongful sentence, and award a new.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
Any of the four or five highest cards, especially the ace, king, queen, jack, and ten of the trump suit, in card games such as bridge or whist.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
An award had been given against.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
To hold in respect; esteem
A researcher who is highly honored for her work.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
A grant made by a law court;
He criticized the awarding of compensation by the court
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
Something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery;
The prize was a free trip to Europe
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Apr 25, 2023
Honor
To accept or pay as valid
Honor a check.
A store that honors all credit cards.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
(uncountable) recognition of importance or value; respect; veneration of someone, usually for being morally upright or successful
The crowds gave the returning general much honor and praise.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
(uncountable) the state of being morally upright, honest, noble, virtuous, and magnanimous; excellence of character; the perception of such a state; favourable reputation; dignity
He was a most perfect knight, for he had great honor and chivalry.
His honor was unstained.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Award
Official recognition or commendation.
The scientist received an award for her research.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Honor
(countable) a token of praise or respect; something that represents praiseworthiness or respect, such as a prize or award given by the state to a citizen
Honors are normally awarded twice a year: on The Queen's Birthday in June and at the New Year.
He wore an honor on his breast.
Military honors; civil honors
Audie Murphy received many honors, such as the Distinguished Service Cross.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
(in the plural) the privilege of going first
I'll let you have the honours, Bob—go ahead.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament.
He is an honour to his nation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
(feudal law) a seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
In bridge, an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten especially of the trump suit. In some other games, an ace, king, queen or jack.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
(in the plural) (courses for) an honours degree: a university qualification of the highest rank
At university I took honours in modern history.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
(transitive) to think of highly, to respect highly; to show respect for; to recognise the importance or spiritual value of
The freedom fighters will be forever remembered and honored by the people.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
(transitive) to conform to, abide by, act in accordance with (an agreement, treaty, promise, request, or the like)
I trusted you, but you have not honored your promise.
Refuse to honor the test ban treaty
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
(transitive) to confer (bestow) an honour or privilege upon (someone)
Ten members of the profession were honored at the ceremony.
The prince honored me with an invitation to his birthday banquet.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
(transitive) to make payment in respect of (a cheque, banker's draft, etc.)
I'm sorry Sir, but the bank did not honour your cheque.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
Esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation; respect; consideration; reverence; veneration; manifestation of respect or reverence.
A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
That which rightfully attracts esteem, respect, or consideration; self-respect; dignity; courage; fidelity; especially, excellence of character; high moral worth; virtue; nobleness.
Godlike erect, with native honor clad.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
Purity; chastity; - a term applied mostly to women, but becoming uncommon in usage.
If she have forgotHonor and virtue.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A nice sense of what is right, just, and true, with course of life correspondent thereto; strict conformity to the duty imposed by conscience, position, or privilege; integrity; uprightness; trustworthness.
Say, what is honor? 'T is the finest senseOf justice which the human mind can frame,Intent each lurking frailty to disclaim,And guard the way of life from all offenseSuffered or done.
I could not love thee, dear, so much,Loved I not honor more.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
That to which esteem or consideration is paid; distinguished position; high rank.
I have given thee . . . both riches, and honor.
Thou art clothed with honor and majesty.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
Fame; reputation; credit.
Some in their actions do woo, and affect honor and reputation.
If my honor is meant anything distinct from conscience, 't is no more than a regard to the censure and esteem of the world.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A token of esteem paid to worth; a mark of respect; a ceremonial sign of consideration; as, he wore an honor on his breast; military honors; civil honors.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament; as, he is an honor to his nation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A title applied to the holders of certain honorable civil offices, or to persons of rank; as, His Honor the Mayor. See Note under Honorable.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
The ace, king, queen, and jack of trumps. The ten and nine are sometimes called Dutch honors.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
To regard or treat with honor, esteem, or respect; to revere; to treat with deference and submission; when used of the Supreme Being, to reverence; to adore; to worship.
Honor thy father and thy mother.
That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father.
It is a customMore honor'd in the breach than the observance.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
To dignify; to raise to distinction or notice; to bestow honor upon; to elevate in rank or station; to ennoble; to exalt; to glorify; hence, to do something to honor; to treat in a complimentary manner or with civility.
Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighten to honor.
The name of Cassius honors this corruption.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
Bestow honor or rewards upon;
Today we honor our soldiers
The scout was rewarded for courageus action
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 25, 2023
Honor
A formal recognition or ceremony.
The university conferred honors on the graduating class.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
FAQs
What does "award" mean?
An "award" is a tangible recognition or prize given for specific achievements.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Is "honor" always tangible?
No, "honor" can be both tangible and intangible.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Can "honor" be a verb?
Yes, "honor" can also function as a verb meaning to show respect to someone.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
What does "honor" mean?
"Honor" refers to high respect or esteem accorded to someone.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Is "award" usually formal?
"Award" typically implies a more formal context, such as ceremonies.
Harlon Moss
Sep 19, 2023
Can "award" be a verb?
Yes, to "award" means to give someone a specific prize or recognition.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Are "honor" and "award" synonymous?
While related, they are not synonymous; "honor" is broader, while "award" is more specific.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Can "honor" relate to moral integrity?
Yes, "honor" can refer to one's moral integrity or principles.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Is "honor" limited to achievements?
No, "honor" can relate to character, position, or achievements.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Is "award" tied to achievements?
Generally, an "award" is given for specific achievements or qualities.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Is an "award" always a physical object?
Generally, an "award" is a tangible item, but it can also refer to non-material recognitions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Can "award" be a legal term?
Yes, "award" can refer to a legal judgment or decision.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Can "award" be a scholarship?
Yes, an "award" can also refer to a grant or scholarship.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Can "honor" be a title or rank?
Yes, "honor" can refer to an official title or rank.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
