tribute

trib·ute

noun \ˈtri-(ˌ)byüt, -byət\

Definition of TRIBUTE

1

a : a payment by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of submission or as the price of protection; also : the tax levied for such a payment

b (1) : an excessive tax, rental, or tariff imposed by a government, sovereign, lord, or landlord (2) : an exorbitant charge levied by a person or group having the power of coercion

c : the liability to pay tribute

2

a : something given or contributed voluntarily as due or deserved; especially : a gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection <a floral tribute>

b : something (as material evidence or a formal attestation) that indicates the worth, virtue, or effectiveness of the one in question <the design is a tribute to his ingenuity>

Examples of TRIBUTE

1. The concert was a tribute to the musician.
2. Yellow ribbons were tied on trees as a tribute to the soldiers at war.
3. an event at which artists and musicians paid tribute to the famous composer
4. The country was forced to pay tribute.
5. The ruler paid a tribute every year.

Origin of TRIBUTE

Middle English tribut, from Latin tributum, from neuter of tributus, past participle of tribuere to allot, bestow, grant, pay, from tribus tribe

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TRIBUTE

Synonyms

accolade, citation, commendation, dithyramb, eulogium, eulogy, homage, hymn, paean, panegyric, salutation, encomium

Related Words

award, decoration, dedication, honor, prize; acclaim, acclamation, laudation; applause, plaudit(s); bravo, hallelujah, kudo; approval, cachet, compliment, recommendation

Near Antonyms

censure, condemnation, denunciation, indictment, rebuke, reprimand, reproof; admonition, correction, harangue, lecture, sermon

See Synonym Discussion at encomium

Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer