noun

tribute

TRIHB-yoot

noun

Something said, done, or given to show respect or admiration for someone.

"Friends and family gathered to pay tribute to her life's work."

Historically, payment made by one state or ruler to another, often to avoid conflict.

"The conquered kingdom was forced to pay tribute to the empire each year."

How to Use Tribute

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA gesture of respect or honor for someone, or historically, a payment made to a more powerful ruler.

Common pairings

pay tribute tribute concert floral tribute

tributed past tense, tributes singular

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Friends and family gathered to pay _____ to her life's work.

From Latin tributum, "a thing paid or contributed," from tribuere, "to assign or grant," itself related to tribus, "tribe."

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