Honor vs. Award: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Role
Primarily a noun, also a verb
Primarily a noun, also a verb
Tangibility
Can be intangible
Generally tangible
Context
Broad, can relate to character or achievement
Specific, usually tied to particular achievements
Formality
Can be informal
Usually more formal
Idiomatic Expressions
"It's an honor," "honor roll"
"Award ceremony," "award-winning"
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Honor and Award Definitions
Honor
High respect or esteem.
The soldier was held in great honor.
Award
A prize given for achievement.
He won an award for Best Actor.
Honor
Moral integrity or strong principles.
He acted with honor in difficult circumstances.
Award
A legal judgment or decision.
The court awarded damages to the plaintiff.
Honor
An official title or rank.
She received the honor of knighthood.
Award
A mark of distinction.
The restaurant has received several culinary awards.
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.
Award
A grant or scholarship.
She received an award for her academic excellence.
Honor
Great privilege
I have the honor of presenting the governor.
Award
To grant as merited or due
Awarded prizes to the winners.
Honor
Good name; reputation
I must defend my honor.
Award
To grant an amount or other benefit legally due
Awarded damages to the plaintiff.
Honor
A source or cause of credit
Was an honor to the profession.
Award
Something awarded or granted, as for merit.
Honor
A mark, token, or gesture of respect or distinction, such as a military decoration.
Award
An amount or other benefit granted as legally due.
Honor
Public acts or ceremonies showing respect
Was buried with full honors.
Award
(legal) A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
Honor
Special recognition for unusual academic achievement
Graduated with honors.
Award
(legal) The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Honor
A program of advanced study for exceptional students
Planned to take honors in history.
Award
A trophy or medal; something that denotes an accomplishment, especially in a competition. A prize or honor based on merit.
Honor
Social courtesies offered to guests
Did the honors at tea.
Award
A negotiated minimum wage that is set for a particular trade or industry; an industrial award.
Honor
High rank
Assumed the honor of kingship.
Award
(intransitive) To determine; to make or grant an award.
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.
Award
(transitive) To give (an award).
Four or five of these medals are awarded every year.
Honor
A sense of principled uprightness of character; personal integrity
Conducted herself with honor.
Saw the challenge as a matter of honor.
Award
(transitive) To give (a person) an award.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
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.
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
Honor
A woman's chastity or reputation for chastity.
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.
Honor
(Sports) The right of being first at the tee in golf.
Award
To determine; to make an award.
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.
Award
A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
An award had been given against.
Honor
Often honors The points allotted to these cards.
Award
The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Honor
To hold in respect; esteem
A researcher who is highly honored for her work.
Award
A grant made by a law court;
He criticized the awarding of compensation by the court
Honor
To show respect for
Honored the volunteers with a party.
Award
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
Honor
To confer distinction on
He has honored us with his presence.
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
Honor
To bow to (another dancer) in square dancing
Honor your partner.
Award
Give, especially as a reward;
Bestow honors and prizes at graduation
Honor
To accept or pay as valid
Honor a check.
A store that honors all credit cards.
Award
Give on the basis of merit;
Funds are granted to qualified researchers
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.
Award
Bestow an honor upon
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.
Award
Official recognition or commendation.
The scientist received an award for her research.
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.
Honor
A privilege
I had the honour of dining with the ambassador.
Honor
(in the plural) the privilege of going first
I'll let you have the honours, Bob—go ahead.
Honor
(golf) the right to play one's ball before one's opponent.
Honor
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament.
He is an honour to his nation.
Honor
(feudal law) a seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended
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.
Honor
(in the plural) (courses for) an honours degree: a university qualification of the highest rank
At university I took honours in modern history.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Honor
Purity; chastity; - a term applied mostly to women, but becoming uncommon in usage.
If she have forgotHonor and virtue.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Honor
A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament; as, he is an honor to his nation.
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.
Honor
A seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended.
Honor
Academic or university prizes or distinctions; as, honors in classics.
Honor
The ace, king, queen, and jack of trumps. The ten and nine are sometimes called Dutch honors.
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.
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.
Honor
To accept and pay when due; as, to honora bill of exchange.
Honor
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
Honor
The state of being honored
Honor
The quality of being honorable and having a good name;
A man of honor
Honor
A woman's virtue or chastity
Honor
Bestow honor or rewards upon;
Today we honor our soldiers
The scout was rewarded for courageus action
Honor
Show respect towards;
Honor your parents!
Honor
Accept as pay;
We honor checks and drafts
Honor
A privilege or distinction.
It's an honor to meet you.
Honor
A formal recognition or ceremony.
The university conferred honors on the graduating class.
FAQs
What does "award" mean?
An "award" is a tangible recognition or prize given for specific achievements.
Is "honor" always tangible?
No, "honor" can be both tangible and intangible.
Can "honor" be a verb?
Yes, "honor" can also function as a verb meaning to show respect to someone.
What does "honor" mean?
"Honor" refers to high respect or esteem accorded to someone.
Can "honor" be informal?
Yes, "honor" can exist in informal contexts.
Is "award" usually formal?
"Award" typically implies a more formal context, such as ceremonies.
Can "award" be a verb?
Yes, to "award" means to give someone a specific prize or recognition.
Are "honor" and "award" synonymous?
While related, they are not synonymous; "honor" is broader, while "award" is more specific.
Can "honor" relate to moral integrity?
Yes, "honor" can refer to one's moral integrity or principles.
Is "honor" limited to achievements?
No, "honor" can relate to character, position, or achievements.
Is "award" tied to achievements?
Generally, an "award" is given for specific achievements or qualities.
Is an "award" always a physical object?
Generally, an "award" is a tangible item, but it can also refer to non-material recognitions.
Can "award" be a legal term?
Yes, "award" can refer to a legal judgment or decision.
Can "award" be a scholarship?
Yes, an "award" can also refer to a grant or scholarship.
Can "honor" be a title or rank?
Yes, "honor" can refer to an official title or rank.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
