honours

Honours are marks of esteem or formal recognition awarded to individuals or organisations for meritorious achievement, service, or status. In Commonwealth countries the term honours (spelled with a u) covers a range of recognitions conferred by governments or the Crown, whereas in the United States the spelling honors is common and recognitions are usually described as awards, decorations, or prizes.

Categories commonly include academic honours (degrees or classifications such as First Class Honours or with honours distinctions in UK and other Commonwealth universities); state or royal honours (knighthoods and damehoods; orders and decorations such as the Order of the British Empire) granted by a monarch or governor-general on the advice of ministers; and professional or organizational honours (medals, fellowships, or prizes awarded by societies, universities, or corporations).

Conferment typically follows nomination, vetting, and approval by a relevant authority. Recipients may receive insignia, certificates, or the right to use honorific titles (for example Sir or Dame after certain honours). Investiture ceremonies are a traditional element in many honours systems.

Academic distinctions with honours depend on local rules: in the UK an honours degree indicates higher achievement within an undergraduate program; in the US, honours may be shown by with honours or honours programs rather than a separate degree.

Although the specifics vary, the concept of honours centers on recognising exceptional achievement, service to society, or notable contribution in fields such as public life, arts, science, or professional practice.