honoris causa

[ oh-noh-ris kou-sah; English o-nawr-is kaw-zuh, o-nohr- ]

Latin.

1. as a sign of respect (usually describing an honorary college or university degree).

honoris causa

/ hɒˈnɔːrɪs ˈkaʊzɑː /

(no translation)

1. for the sake of honour

Word History and Origins

Origin of honoris causa¹

Literally, “for the sake of honor”

Example Sentences

Wearing a black velvet cap and purple graduation gown for the first time, Swift proudly accepted her Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa.

From Los Angeles Times

The Latin term for an unearned degree is one that is presented “honoris causa,” or “for the sake of honor.”

From Washington Times

And recently, they’ve marked the beginning of something else: campus protests that have caused controversial commencement speakers to cancel their speeches faster than you can say “honoris causa.”

From Washington Post

He received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa from the university of K�nigsberg, and Doctor of Literature from the universities of Dublin and Cambridge, and became correspondent for several learned societies.

From Project Gutenberg

He was made D.C.L. of Oxford and LL.D. of Cambridge honoris causa, and when he visited the United States on a lecturing tour was warmly received at various places of learning.

From Project Gutenberg