Homage
/ˈɒmɪdʒ/
Definitions
A public expression of respect or honor, or something done to show respect or admiration.
/ˈɒmɪdʒ/
Public show of respect or honor
The statue was built as a homage to the city's founders.
💡 Simply: Homage is like giving a shout-out or a special tribute to someone or something you really admire. It's like saying, "Wow, you're awesome!" in a public way. Think of a song that's an homage to a favorite band. They're saying they really appreciate that band's music.
👶 For kids: Homage is when you show respect and love for someone or something special. It's like giving a big hug or a nice drawing to someone you care about.
More Examples
The film is a stylish homage to the classic noir movies.
The concert was a heartfelt homage to the late musician's legacy.
She felt it was important to pay homage to her ancestors.
How It's Used
"The museum paid homage to the artist with a retrospective exhibition."
"The novel is a homage to classic detective stories."
Idioms & expressions
pay homage
To show respect or admiration.
"The band decided to pay homage to their musical heroes by covering their songs at the concert."
From Old French *omage*, from *ome* ('man', 'vassal'), from Latin *homo* ('man'). The term originally referred to the feudal oath of loyalty sworn by a vassal to a lord. The meaning expanded to include respect or reverence expressed publicly.
The term 'homage' historically referred to the formal submission of a vassal to a lord in feudal times. It was the oath of allegiance, involving a symbolic gesture such as kneeling before the lord.
Memory tip
Think of 'home age'. People show respect to those in a position of power or authority that may also be older than them. Hence 'home age' means showing them respect.