honorarium

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'honorarium' is a correctly spelled and used word in written English.
It is typically used as a noun to refer to a payment made as a token of appreciation for a service, usually for one that is not normally a paid one. Example sentence: The company offered an honorarium to the speaker for her contribution to the event.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The result of this magisterial system was the development of the jus honorarium, a new body of rules that existed alongside, and often superseded, the civil law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Poets began to work freelance, receiving from patrons a conspicuous honorarium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ed Markowitz, a professor from Georgetown, took the Peters town invitation to attend the Christians and Jews conference at the Ecumenical Institute because the honorarium covered his trip to California.

The New Yorker

Before long, I'm in a taxi on the way to the airport, at which point I open the envelope containing my honorarium, only to discover — to my horror — that it is empty except for two loonies and tickets to a French-Canadian production of "The Fantasticks".

The New Yorker

Second, to participate, neither the recommender nor the candidate may be the recipient of any other prize, grant, honorarium, stipend, bank-to-bank wire transfer, income-tax refund, Social Security or WIC/A.F.D.C. payment, veteran's benefit, or postal remittance of any kind.

The New Yorker

He added, "Over the years, Herman Cain has spoken at our events sometimes without charge, and other times we might pick up travel expenses or give a modest honorarium.

The New Yorker

He received a $1,000 honorarium for his effort.

The New York Times - Books

The credits for "Paradise Lost 3" say that "some individuals appearing in this film received an honorarium for their participation".

The New York Times

She also works as a low-level secretary at the village school for a monthly honorarium of $1.20.

The New York Times

As for Rutgers, "an honorarium was required to attract a speaker of Ms. Morrison's caliber," said Greg Trevor, the university's senior director of media relations.

The New York Times

Disclosure note | The Asahi Corporation covered my travel costs and provided a modest honorarium.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "honorarium" when acknowledging a contribution or service for which a formal salary or fee isn't appropriate. It suggests appreciation rather than strict contractual payment.

Common error

Avoid using "honorarium" when a predetermined salary or contractual fee is in place. "Honorarium" implies a voluntary token of appreciation, not a binding payment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "honorarium" is as a noun, referring to a payment given for professional services that are rendered nominally without charge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correctly spelled and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academic

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "honorarium" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that refers to compensation for services rendered in a non-contractual or voluntary capacity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correctly spelled and applied in written English. Usage patterns indicate that it is most commonly found in News & Media sources, followed by Encyclopedias. When considering alternative phrasing, terms such as "gratuity", "fee", and "stipend" may be appropriate substitutes depending on the context. However, it's crucial to use it correctly, ensuring that it does not replace fixed salaries. Understanding the nuances of "honorarium" ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gratuity

Similar to honorarium but often implies a voluntary tip or payment.

fee

Broader term referring to a payment for services, but can be less formal than "honorarium".

stipend

Regular allowance or payment, often for students or trainees, less specific than "honorarium".

remuneration

More formal term for payment or compensation.

compensation

General term for payment or recompense for services or loss.

reimbursement

Payment for expenses incurred, differing from "honorarium", which is for services.

consideration

Payment or reward for services rendered.

tribute

Payment of respect or gratitude, often without a set value.

award

Recognition or prize, often monetary, for achievement or service.

allowance

Regular payment for specific needs or services, less tied to a single event.

FAQs

How to use "honorarium" in a sentence?

You can use "honorarium" in a sentence like: "The university offered an "honorarium" to the guest speaker for their insightful lecture."

What can I say instead of "honorarium"?

You can use alternatives like "gratuity", "fee", or "stipend" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "honorarium" or "salary"?

"Honorarium" and "salary" are both correct, but they have different meanings. An "honorarium" is a payment for services that do not have a predetermined value, while a salary is a fixed compensation paid regularly for services.

What's the difference between "honorarium" and "donation"?

An "honorarium" is a payment for services rendered, even if the amount isn't predetermined. A donation is a gift given without expectation of return or service.