Given as a special honor or privilege without the normal requirements or duties, like an 'honorary degree' awarded for achievement rather than completing classes.
From Latin 'honorarius' (held in honor), derived from 'honor.' The word has been used in English since the 16th century for titles and positions of special recognition.
Getting an honorary degree is actually a big deal—universities give them to people like actors, scientists, and humanitarians to say 'your life's work is so important we want to honor you alongside our graduates!'
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.