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honorifically

honorifically

8.6
Someone uses a polite title or special form of address to show respect
  • adverb
  • /ˌɑːnəˈrɪfɪkli/
  • Formal
translation icon : honoríficamente
  • The students addressed the guest speaker honorifically, using titles like 'Dr.' and 'Professor.'

Examples

  • During the ceremony, guests were asked to address the honorees honorifically to show their appreciation.

  • It is likely that the title was initially used honorifically by persons addressing the patriarch.

    Academic text (2009)
  • In the meeting, he spoke honorifically to the elder member, recognizing his years of service.

Synonyms

respectfully
vshonorifically
101 2.3

In a polite way to someone

uses formal titles or special forms of address to show respect
reverently
vshonorifically
7 5.5

In a way that shows deep respect

is formal and indicates respect in address without strong emotion
courteously
vshonorifically
4 2.8

In a polite and respectful way

uses formal titles or special forms of address rather than mere politeness
reverentially
vshonorifically
1 7.5

In a way that shows deep respect for someone or something

is more formal but shows milder respect rather than extreme feeling
deferentially
vshonorifically
  • Formal
1 7.0

In a respectful way toward someone older or in charge

uses formal titles or special forms of address without implying submission
decorously
vshonorifically
  • Formal
1 7.0

In a calm, proper way that follows social rules

focuses on formal address to show respect rather than general propriety

How Respectful

reverently
7 5.5
honorifically
  • Formal
8.6
respectfully
101 2.3
politely
108 1.0

Surface Forms

honorifically positive

Morphology

honorifically = honorific (semi-transparent) = honor + ific + ally

The adverbial suffix '-ally' is a regular derivation from 'honorific', but the adjective's Latinate formation may not be fully transparent to learners.

Etymology

Honorifically comes from the word honor, which means 'respect'. So to speak or write honorifically is to use a respectful title or form of address, like calling someone 'Doctor' or 'Madam' to show respect.