French word

honneur

Pronunciation

IPA/onœʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhonor

Example

C'est un honneur de pouvoir vous aider.

It is an honor to be able to help you.

Illustration for honneur (honor)

More examples

Sa nomination a été un honneur pour toute l'équipe.

His appointment was an honor for the whole team.

Core concept

A dignified feeling of being valued when receiving respect, recognition, or a prestigious responsibility.

Common phrases

  • avoir l'honneur de

    have the honor of ___

  • être un honneur pour

    be an honor to ___

  • faire honneur à

    do honor to ___

Similar words

plaisir: Enjoyment or happiness felt about something.
respect: Respectful regard for another person's character or standing.
fierté: A feeling of pride in an achievement by oneself or someone else.
estime: A favorable opinion of someone's abilities or personal qualities.

Definition in French

Sentiment personnel d'être honoré par une attention ou une marque de respect, ressenti dans des occasions formelles ou quand on reçoit une responsabilité valorisante.

Word origin

From Latin honor, honoris, honneur passed through Old French before developing its modern French senses of honor and personal distinction.

Usage tips

  • Honneur has a formal, ceremonial tone, while "ça me fait plaisir" or "je suis touché" often sounds more natural for ordinary personal gratitude.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word