pay tribute to — to show respect, admiration, or gratitude to someone or something, especially someone who has died or something that has ended
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to show respect, admiration, or gratitude to someone or something, especially someone who has died or something that has ended
Pronunciation (IPA): /peɪ ˈtrɪbjuːt tuː/
Example Sentences
- The students paid tribute to their retiring teacher by organizing a surprise party with his favorite donuts.
- The museum exhibition pays tribute to the cultural heritage of the region.
- During the awards ceremony, they paid tribute to the director's 40-year career in filmmaking.
pay tribute to
NOUN[/peɪ ˈtrɪbjuːt tuː/]
to show respect, admiration, or gratitude to someone or something, especially someone who has died or something that has ended
to show respect, admiration, or gratitude to someone or something, especially someone who has died or something that has ended
Contribute to honor, attribute with tribute
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'tributum', originally meaning a tax or payment imposed on conquered peoples by their rulers. Over time, the meaning evolved from a material obligation to a gesture of respect and admiration.
Breakdown
tributum (Latin: tax, payment imposed on subject peoples) → tribute (mark of respect or honor paid to someone). The phrase 'pay tribute to' combines the verb 'pay' with 'tribute', maintaining the sense of offering something valuable, now figuratively offering respect or acknowledgment.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The students paid tribute to their retiring teacher by organizing a surprise party with his favorite donuts.”
“The museum exhibition pays tribute to the cultural heritage of the region.”
“During the awards ceremony, they paid tribute to the director's 40-year career in filmmaking.”
“The comedy show paid tribute to classic sitcoms by recreating famous scenes with rubber chickens.”
📚Related Words
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