Honorary
/ˈɒn.ər.ər.i/noun
Given as a mark of honor, or holding a title or position without the usual duties or pay.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin *honorarius*, meaning “of honor” or “given as a mark of honor,” and in Roman life that kind of title could be a real social spell: recognition without office, authority without labor.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱes-
“To esteem or value”
Latin
Latin
honor
“Honor, esteem, public office, dignity”
Latin
Latin
honorarius
“Of honor; given as an honor, not as payment”
Middle English
English
honorarie
“Given in honor; not requiring payment or service”
Modern English
English
honorary
“Conferred as a distinction without the usual duties or compensation”