2 syllables: Hon, or. Stress on Hon.
AH-nur
/ˈɑnɚ/
Honor is pronounced AH-nur (/ˈɑnɚ/). It has two syllables (Hon-or), with the stress on "Hon". Honor refers to a sense of respect and honesty that elevates a person’s character or actions. It denotes adherence to ethical principles, integrity, and the esteem in which one is held by others. In everyday use, it also conveys a duty or privilege, such as an honor bestowed or an honorable deed, often carrying formal or ceremonial connotations.
nounHonor refers to a sense of respect and honesty that elevates a person’s character or actions. It denotes adherence to ethical principles, integrity, and the esteem in which one is held by others. In everyday use, it also conveys a duty or privilege, such as an honor bestowed or an honorable deed, often carrying formal or ceremonial connotations.
- You may overpronounce the second syllable, giving it a full vowel like 'n-er' instead of a reduced /nər/. Try saying it quickly as HON-or rather than HON-OR. - The first vowel can drift toward a shorter ‘a’; keep it as a broad back vowel /ɑː/ (US /ɑː/ or UK /ɒ/) to avoid sounding like 'hot' or 'hat.' Practice with careful mouth shapes. - In connected speech, the final t- or r-sound can bleed; ensure the ending is a light, quick /ər/ or /ə/ without additional consonant leaks. - Avoid adding extra syllables in rapid speech; keep it two syllables and reduce the second. - For non-native learners: practice with syllable-timed drills to maintain even pace and avoid inserting an extra vowel or syllable.
"- It’s a matter of honor to return what you borrow."
"- She received the Medal of Honor for her bravery."
"- He acted with honor, even when no one was watching."
Pronounce it as two syllables: /ˈɒ.nər/ in British English or /ˈɑː.nɚ/ in American English. The stress is on the first syllable. The first vowel in US is a broad, open back vowel (like 'father'), often rhotacized in the second syllable as a schwa or a reduced 'er.' Tip: avoid pronouncing the second syllable with a full vowel; reduce to a soft 'er' or 'ə' in US, and an unreleased vowel in careful speech. Listen for the momentary lift on the first syllable and quick, unobtrusive second syllable.
Two frequent errors: (1) overemphasizing the second syllable so it sounds like ‘on-er’ with a full vowel, (2) pronouncing the first vowel as a short ‘a’ as in 'hot' rather than the broad /ɒ/ or /ɑː/ sound. Correction: keep the first vowel as a back open vowel (US /ɑː/ or UK /ɒ/), then lightly reduce the second vowel to /ər/ or /ə/. Practice with minimal pairs to contrast full vowels and reduced endings.
US: /ˈɑː.nɚ/ with rhotacized second syllable; UK: /ˈɒ.nə/ with a shorter, non-rhotic ending and a less pronounced second syllable; AU: /ˈɒ.nə/ similar to UK, but with a slightly brighter vowel and less aggressive r-sounding in casual speech. The main differences are vowel quality in the first syllable and the presence/absence of rhotic in the second syllable.
The challenge lies in the subtle vowel quality of the first syllable (broad back vs. short a), and the reduction of the second syllable. Many speakers also grapple with the rhoticity in American speech, causing the second syllable to sound like a syllabic ‘r’ or a schwa plus r in rapid speech. Focus on a clean front-back contrast in the first vowel and a quick, light /ər/ or /ə/ in the second syllable.
No; in standard usage, the second syllable is reduced to /ər/ (US) or /nə/ (UK/AU) and is not fully rhyming with the first syllable. The key is to keep the first syllable prominent while the second stays light and quick.
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- US: Aim for /ˈɑː.nɚ/ with a clear, open back vowel in the first syllable and a rhotacized second syllable. Keep the tongue low and back in the first vowel; the second syllable uses a quick central vowel /ə/ plus /r/. - UK: Target /ˈɒ.nə/ with a clipped second syllable; the r is non-rhotic in careful speech, so the final /ər/ reduces toward /ə/. The first vowel is shorter than the US version. - AU: Similar to UK in vowel quality but often with a slightly broader /ɒ/ and a lighter rhotic or non-rhotic ending depending on speaker. Focus on a fast, light second syllable; avoid over-articulating /r/ in casual speech. - IPA references help you align mouth positions: /ɑː/ vs /ɒ/ for first vowel; /n/ is the same; /ər/ vs /ə/ for second syllable.” ,
The word honor comes from the Latin honor, which signified esteem or public regard, paired with the concept of distinction and worth. In Latin, honos or honor indicated a social office, a mark of status, or a reward given for virtuous behavior. From Latin, it passed into Old French as honur or honneur, carrying similar meanings of esteem and merit. The English adoption retained both the sense of personal integrity and the social acknowledgment of merit. In Early Modern English, honor broadened to include formal ceremonial recognitions (such as honors granted by monarchs) and abstract commendation (honor of a tradition or principle). The pronunciation with a silent or reduced second syllable reflects phonetic simplification over time, while the spelling retained the 'honor' form in American English and 'honour' in British English, the latter preserving a clearer root in pronunciation for many speakers. First known use in English dates back to the 13th century with roots in Latin via French, evolving through Middle English to modern usage where it spans personal virtue to ceremonial status.
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Help others use "Honor" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Honor" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Honor" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Honor"
-nor sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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