Something done, given, or said to show respect, thanks, or admiration; historically, money paid by one ruler or country to another as a sign of obedience.
From Latin *tributum* “tax, contribution,” from *tribuere* “to assign, grant.” It originally meant a required payment to a ruler, then shifted to voluntary acts of respect and honor.
A tribute used to be money you paid a stronger power so they wouldn’t crush you; now it can be a song, a speech, or a film honoring someone. We kept the idea of “you’re important,” but flipped it from fear to admiration.
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