Respect vs. Honour — What's the Difference?

Recognition of someone's good qualities or achievements.

Adherence to a strong ethical code.

Showing regard for others' feelings or rights.

The regard in which one is held.

Yielding to the judgment of others.

A sense of responsibility or obligation.

Recognizing something as important or worthy.

An award or acknowledgment.

Holding someone in high regard.

Recognition or a mark of esteem.

Respect, also called esteem, is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities.

Honour (British English) or honor (American English; see spelling differences) is the idea of a bond between an individual and a society as a quality of a person that is both of social teaching and of personal ethos, that manifests itself as a code of conduct, and has various elements such as valour, chivalry, honesty, and compassion. It is an abstract concept entailing a perceived quality of worthiness and respectability that affects both the social standing and the self-evaluation of an individual or institution such as a family, school, regiment or nation.

A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem

High respect; great esteem

The state of being regarded with honor or esteem

The quality of knowing and doing what is morally right

Consideration or appreciation

Something regarded as a rare opportunity and bringing pride and pleasure; a privilege

Due regard for something considered important or authoritative

An ace, king, queen, jack, or ten.

A particular aspect, feature, or detail

Regard with great respect

Usage Problem Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.

Fulfil (an obligation) or keep (an agreement)

To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem or admire

Variant of honor.

To avoid interfering with or intruding upon

(uncountable) recognition of importance or value; respect; veneration of someone, usually for being morally upright or successful.

To avoid violating

(uncountable) The state of being morally upright, honest, noble, virtuous, and magnanimous; excellence of character; the perception of such a state; favourable reputation; dignity.

To relate or refer to; concern

(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.

(uncountable) an attitude of consideration or high regard

A privilege.

(uncountable) good opinion, honor, or admiration

(in the plural) The privilege of going first.

Polite greetings, often offered as condolences after a death.

(golf) The right to play one's ball before one's opponent.

(countable) a particular aspect, feature or detail of something

A cause of respect and fame; a glory; an excellency; an ornament.

Good will; favor

(feudal law) A seigniory or lordship held of the king, on which other lordships and manors depended.

To have respect for.

In bridge, an ace, king, queen, jack, or ten especially of the trump suit. In some other games, an ace, king, queen or jack.

To have regard for something, to observe a custom, practice, rule or right.

(in the plural) (Courses for) an honours degree: a university qualification of the highest rank.

To abide by an agreement.

Standard spelling of honor

To take notice of; to regard as worthy of special consideration; to heed.

Same as honor; - chiefly British usage.

To relate to; to be concerned with.

The state of being honored

(obsolete) To regard; to consider; to deem.

A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;

(obsolete) To look toward; to face.

The quality of being honorable and having a good name;

(Jamaica) hello, hi

A woman's virtue or chastity

To take notice of; to regard with special attention; to regard as worthy of special consideration; hence, to care for; to heed.

Bestow honor or rewards upon;

To consider worthy of esteem; to regard with honor.

Show respect towards;

To look toward; to front upon or toward.

Accept as pay;

To regard; to consider; to deem.

To have regard to; to have reference to; to relate to; as, the treaty particularly respects our commerce.

The act of noticing with attention; the giving particular consideration to; hence, care; caution.

Esteem; regard; consideration; honor.

An expression of respect of deference; regards; as, to send one's respects to another.

Reputation; repute.

Particular; point regarded; point of view; as, in this respect; in any respect; in all respects.

Relation; reference; regard.

Consideration; motive; interest.

(usually preceded by `in') a detail or point;

The condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded);

An attitude of admiration or esteem;

A courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard;

Behavior intended to please your parents;

A feeling of friendship and esteem;

Courteous regard for people's feelings;

Regard highly; think much of;

Show respect towards;

Respect usually refers to how we treat others based on their actions or qualities, whereas honor is more about adherence to moral standards and duties.

Yes, a person can be respected for their talents or actions without necessarily adhering to high moral standards that define honor.

Not exactly. While both convey positive regard, respect is situational and interpersonal, whereas honor implies a broader ethical standard.

Honor is both a personal and social value. Personally, it is a moral compass guiding one's actions. Socially, it's recognized and appreciated within a community or culture.

Honor plays a crucial role in leadership by inspiring others through ethical behavior and moral integrity, gaining trust and loyalty from followers.

Ideally, yes, but it isn't guaranteed. Sometimes one party respects the other while not receiving the same in return.

Cultural norms shape the expectations for both respect and honor, with different societies emphasizing various forms, such as hierarchical respect in some cultures versus egalitarian respect in others.

In some contexts, honor can be rigid, leading individuals to make extreme sacrifices or uphold traditional values that may not align with modern ethical standards.

This depends on context, but honor may require consistent adherence to ethical principles, whereas respect often hinges on personal interactions.

Yes, someone may act honorably but lack respect from others if those around them do not share or understand their principles or if there are misunderstandings.

Honor is often motivated by a desire for self-respect, recognition from others, or the aspiration to live according to ethical or cultural ideals.

Teaching respect involves modeling good behavior, encouraging empathy, and reinforcing the value of listening and understanding different perspectives.

Respect fosters trust, understanding, and effective communication in relationships, creating a positive environment where everyone feels valued.

Respect is shown through actions like listening, consideration, or compliments, while honor might involve fulfilling promises, adhering to ethical codes, or receiving awards.

Generally, yes, but sometimes misplaced respect, like blindly following authority, can lead to undesirable outcomes if it compromises moral or ethical principles.