honorific

adjective

hon·​or·​if·​ic ˌä-nə-ˈri-fik How to pronounce honorific (audio)
1
: conferring or conveying honor
honorific titles
2
: belonging to or constituting a class of grammatical forms used in speaking to or about a social superior
honorific noun
honorifically adverb

Examples of honorific in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In addition to the honorific event, it was also revealed that Clements is returning to Walt Disney Studios Animation in an advisory role. Jamie Lang, Variety, 13 June 2025 Making a Book is both less honorific and more participatory. Melina Moe may 19, Literary Hub, 19 May 2025 It’s also designated as a National Historic District by the federal government, though unlike the local designation that mostly honorific label confers no protection. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025 Written by Al Shipley | One of the most apt and unquestioned honorific nicknames in popular music is the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. Al Shipley, SPIN, 26 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for honorific

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of honorific was in 1650

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Cite this Entry

“Honorific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honorific. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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