What does honorarium mean?
An honorarium is a payment made in recognition of professional services, most often for a lecture, speech, consultation, or similar contribution. Unlike a salary, it does not normally describe regular compensation for a continuing job; instead, it is typically a one-off payment or a token of appreciation. The word carries a formal, respectful tone and is especially common in academic, literary, artistic, and professional settings. It can also describe a modest payment made to a guest speaker, visiting expert, or performer. Although an honorarium may provide reasonable remuneration for the recipient's time and expertise, its name emphasizes the honor associated with the contribution as much as its financial value. The plural is usually “honoraria,” while “honorariums” is also accepted.
nounAn honorary payment made to someone for professional services, especially for a lecture, speech, or other contribution that is not part of a regular employment arrangement.
- A payment made as a gesture of respect or recognition for professional services, especially a lecture, speech, or consultation.
- A modest payment given to a speaker, performer, or other contributor, often one arranged on a one-time basis.
"The university awarded the distinguished scholar an honorarium for delivering the inaugural lecture."
"The organizers presented the keynote speaker with an honorarium in appreciation of her contribution."
"He received a small honorarium for serving as the visiting examiner."
“Honoraria” is the standard plural; “honorariums” is also widely used.
"The university paid honoraria to several visiting lecturers."
An honorarium is payment for expertise or service, but the word literally means a payment made out of honor rather than as ordinary wages.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does honorarium come from?
The word comes from the Latin honorarium, a neuter adjective meaning “honorary” or “as a mark of honor,” derived from honor. It entered English in the 17th century in the sense of an honorary payment. The modern sense developed from the older general meaning of a gift or payment made as an honor, eventually specializing in a payment for professional or scholarly services.
Related word forms
How honorarium is actually used
The term is formal and commonly used in academic, literary, artistic, and professional contexts. It usually refers to a payment that is voluntary or additional rather than a normal contractual fee, although the boundaries between an honorarium and a fee can vary by institution and context.
Easily confused with honorarium
An honorarium is a discretionary or special payment for an occasional service, whereas a salary is regular compensation for ongoing employment.