Honorarium

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌɒn.əˈreə.ri.əm/ (British) | /ˌɑː.nəˈrer.i.əm/ (American)

Definitions

• A payment given for professional services that are rendered nominally without charge.
• A token of appreciation for services that are not legally required to be paid.

Usage Examples

• "The guest speaker received an honorarium for delivering the keynote address."
• "Although the consultant did not charge a fee, he was given an honorarium as a gesture of gratitude."

Etymology

Derived from Latin "honorarium," meaning "a gift in recognition of service." The term has been used in English since the early 17th century.

Synonyms

• Gratuity
• Stipend
• Token payment
• Compensation

Antonyms

• Salary
• Wage
• Commission
• Contractual payment

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˌɒn.əˈreə.ri.əm/
• American English: /ˌɑː.nəˈrer.i.əm/
• Australian English: /ˌɒn.əˈreə.ri.əm/

Historical Usage

The concept of an honorarium has been present in societies for centuries, often used in religious, academic, and advisory roles where services are rendered voluntarily.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, an honorarium is a respected gesture of gratitude, while in others, it is seen as a formal but non-mandatory form of payment.

More Information

Honorariums are common in academic and professional circles, where speakers, advisors, and consultants may be compensated for their time and expertise in a non-commercial arrangement.