Honoured and honored mean the same thing.
The difference is spelling, based on region.
- Honoured is British English (UK, Canada, Australia).
- Honored is American English (United States).
Examples:
- I am honoured to receive this award. (UK / Canada)
- I am honored to receive this award. (US)
Both spellings are correct. Use the one that matches your audience.
Many people search for honoured vs honored because both spellings appear correct, yet they are used differently across countries. You may see honoured in British writing and honored in American emails, news, or wedding invitations. This creates confusion, especially for students, bloggers, and professionals writing for international audiences. Questions like “Is it honoured or honored in the UK?”, “Is honor or honour correct?”, and “Which spelling should I use in Canada?” are very common. The confusion is not about meaning, but about regional spelling rules.
This article solves that problem clearly and simply. You will learn the exact meaning, spelling differences, real-life examples, common mistakes, and professional advice for correct usage. By the end, you will know which spelling to use with confidence in every situation.
Honoured vs Honored – Meaning Explained
The meaning of honoured and honored is exactly the same.
Both words mean:
- Feeling respected
- Feeling proud
- Feeling grateful
- Receiving recognition
Honoured vs honored meaning example:
- She felt honoured to speak at the event.
- She felt honored to speak at the event.
The emotion and message do not change. Only the spelling changes.
Common synonyms:
respected, privileged, grateful, proud
The Origin of Honoured vs Honored
The words honour and honor come from the Latin word honor, meaning dignity or respect. When English developed, it absorbed many French spellings. British English kept the -our ending, which is why words like honour, favour, and colour exist.
In the early 19th century, American English spelling changed. Noah Webster, an American dictionary writer, simplified many spellings to make English easier. He removed the letter “u” from words ending in -our. This is why American English uses honor and honored.
This spelling difference is historical. The meaning never changed.
British English vs American English Spelling
The difference between honoured vs honored follows a clear pattern.
Spelling Comparison Table
| Feature | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Base word | honour | honor |
| Past tense | honoured | honored |
| Countries | UK, Canada, Australia | United States |
| Dictionary | Oxford Dictionary | Merriam-Webster |
| Example | honoured guest | honored guest |
Is it honored or honoured in the UK?
✔️ Honoured is correct in the UK.
Is honor or honour correct?
✔️ Both are correct, depending on region.
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Which Spelling Should You Use?
The best spelling depends on your audience.
For the United States
Use honored.
American schools, employers, and publications prefer American spelling.
For the UK
Use honoured.
British English always keeps the “u”.
Honoured vs Honored Canada
Canada mostly follows British spelling.
Honoured is preferred in Canadian English.
For Global Audiences
Choose one style and stay consistent.
Do not mix honour and honor in the same article.
Consistency builds trust and professionalism.
Common Mistakes with Honoured vs Honored
Many writers make small but important mistakes.
Mistake 1: Mixing Spellings
❌ I am honoured to receive this honor.
✔️ I am honoured to receive this honour.
✔️ I am honored to receive this honor.
Mistake 2: Thinking One Spelling Is Wrong
Both spellings are correct. Region matters.
Mistake 3: Using British Spelling in US Writing
US audiences expect honored, not honoured.
Is the H Silent in Honour?
No.
The H is not silent in honour or honor.
Correct pronunciation:
HON-er
This rule applies in both British and American English.
Honoured vs Honored in Everyday Examples
Emails
- I am honoured to join your team.
- I am honored to join your team.
News Articles
- The teacher was honoured for her service.
- The teacher was honored for her service.
Social Media
- Feeling honoured to be nominated!
- Feeling honored to be nominated!
Formal Writing
- We are honoured to announce the award.
- We are honored to announce the award.
Honor vs Honour Wedding Invitation
This is a very popular question.
- UK wedding invitation:
The honour of your presence is requested. - US wedding invitation:
The honor of your presence is requested.
Both versions are correct when used in the right country.
Honoured vs Honored – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show clear regional patterns.
- Honored is searched more in the United States.
- Honoured is searched more in the UK, Canada, and Australia.
On platforms like Reddit, users often ask about honoured vs honored Reddit discussions. Most answers agree that the difference is regional, not grammatical. Dictionaries like Oxford Dictionary confirm that both spellings are standard English.
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Honoured vs Honored Examples Table
| Context | British | American |
|---|---|---|
| Award | honoured | honored |
| honoured to help | honored to help | |
| News | honoured guest | honored guest |
| Invitation | honour of presence | honor of presence |
FAQs
1. Is honoured British spelling?
Yes. Honoured is British English.
2. Is honored American spelling?
Yes. Honored is American English.
3. What does “I am honoured” mean?
It means you feel proud and grateful.
4. Is honoured correct in Canada?
Yes. Canada prefers British spelling.
5. Are honoured and honored synonyms?
Yes. They have the same meaning.
6. What does Oxford Dictionary say?
Oxford lists honoured as British spelling.
7. Can I use honored in global English?
Yes, but stay consistent.
Conclusion
The confusion around honoured vs honored is common, but the solution is simple. Both spellings mean the same thing and express respect, pride, and recognition. The only difference is regional spelling. British English uses honoured, while American English uses honored. Canadian English usually follows the British form. Neither spelling is more correct than the other. The key is knowing your audience and staying consistent. Avoid mixing spellings in the same article, email, or invitation. For professional writing, always match the spelling style of the country you are writing for. Once you understand this rule, choosing the correct spelling becomes easy. Clear language builds trust, improves readability, and makes your writing look polished and professional.
Vera Brittain is a writer at Pray Ocean, providing clear English word meanings and inspiring prayer content for everyday readers.
