Difference Between Honor and Respect

Main Difference – Honor vs Respect

Honor and respect are qualities that indicate esteem, high regard, admiration, and acclaim. Although honor and respect are interrelated terms since they have somewhat overlapping meanings, there is a difference between honor and respect. Respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Honor, on the other hand, refers to higher respect and great esteem. This is the main difference between honor and respect. Honor can also refer to the social standing or position of a person. It is also important to notice that the concepts of honor and respect may also depend on particular cultures and communities. 

This article will explain, 

1. What is Honor? – Definition, Meaning and Examples of Usage

2. What is Respect? – Definition, Meaning and Examples of Usage

3. Difference Between Honor and Respect 

Difference Between Honor and Respect - infographic

What is Respect

Respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Respect can also refer to a feeling of admiration or deference toward a group, ideal, or concept, as well as particular actions and conduct representative of esteem. Respect can be both given and received. Every individual in the society is considered to be worthy of respect until they prove otherwise.

We respect our teachers and mentors by listening to them and following their advice. We respect the law by abiding by them. Similarly, we respect people who help us by thanking them. Respect is a connection that is deeply connected with all our lives.

The following examples will further clarify the meaning and usage of this word.

The soldiers saluted him as a sign of respect.

He always respected his parents.

I respect and admire her for her achievements.

She is a highly respected person in the field of academia.

I respect her decision to leave her hometown.

He was respected by everyone.

Main Difference - Honor vs Respect

Touching someone’s feet is a gesture of respect in India.

What is Honor

Honor (or spelled as Honour) generally refers to high respect or great esteem. However, there are subtle variations in the meanings of honor. Given below are some of the most important meanings of honor.

High respect/ great esteem

The honored guests were welcomed by the principle.

The ceremony was held in honor of her father.

Good reputation, good quality or character (as judged by other people)

She died defending her honor.

A duel was fought to defend the lady’s honor.

High moral standards of behavior

He is a man with honor.

He has a keen sense of honor.

Difference Between Honor and Respect

Honor Guard

Difference Between Honor and Respect

Definition

Honor is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something.

Respect refers to high respect or great esteem.

Superiority

Honor is higher than respect.

Respect is lower than honor.

Formality

Honor is more formal than respect.

Respect is more informal than respect.

Image Courtesy:  

“CNO Guard of honour” By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst -(Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia 

“Westindischer Maler um 1530 001” By Westindischer Maler um 1530 – The Yorck Project: 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei. DVD-ROM, 2002. ISBN 3936122202. Distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH., (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia 

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.