Honor or Honour | Meaning, Spelling & Examples
Honor and honour are different spellings of the noun meaning “integrity” or “privilege” and the verb meaning “regard something with great respect” or “fulfill an obligation.”
The spelling varies depending on whether you’re using UK or US English:
- In US English, “honor” (no “u”) is standard.
- In UK English, “honour” (with a “u”) is the correct spelling.
The young doctor felt it was an honor/honour to shadow such an accomplished neurosurgeon.
One day each year, the king would honor/honour the townspeople with his presence.
Please honor/honour the terms of our agreement.
Honoured or honored
The same spelling distinction carries over to related words, such as “honoured/honored” and “honourable/honorable.”
- In US English, “honored” and “honorable” (no “u”) are standard.
- In UK English, “honoured” and “honourable” (with a “u”) are correct.
Louise is one of the few truly honorable/honourable people I know.
Exception: Honorary
While “honour” is the standard spelling in UK English, the related adjective honorary (meaning “given in recognition of achievement without the usual requirements”) is used in both US and UK English. This is also the case for “honorific” and “honorarium.” Spelling these words with “-our-” is always wrong.
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Confused words
Definitions
US vs. UK spellings
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between “honor” and “honour”?
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Honor and honour mean the same thing. However, the spelling tends to vary depending on whether you’re writing UK or US English:
- In US English, “honor” (no “u”) is correct.
- In UK English, “honour” (with a “u”) is standard.
- Is it “honouring” or “honoring”?
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Honouring and honoring are different spellings of the present participle of the word “honor/honour.” The spelling tends varies depending on whether you’re writing UK or US English:
- In US English, “honoring” (no “u”) is standard.
- In UK English, “honouring” (with a “u”) is correct.
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Ryan, E. (2023, July 19). Honor or Honour | Meaning, Spelling & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/us-vs-uk/honor-or-honour/
