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Honorarium

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a payment for professional services that are nominally free

Where does the word "honorarium" come from? It comes from Latin honōrārium, adopted directly into English (1650s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
honōrārium
Latin · ancient
"honorary gift"
a gift made on taking up an honorary office
2
Stage 2 of 2
honorarium
English · 1650s
"voluntary fee"
used for fees to lawyers, doctors and speakers who could not formally charge
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Honorarium’s story begins in Latin: honōrārium meant “honorary gift.” A gift made on taking up an honorary office. It reached English by 1650s as honorarium. Used for fees to lawyers, doctors and speakers who could not formally charge. Today, honorarium means a payment for professional services that are nominally free.