2

What are some synonyms of honor in the sense that honored is used in I am honored? I'm looking for a milder synonym specifically but this question can serve as a compendium of sorts for all synonyms in this sense.

There is fortunate but it signifies having something or getting something lasting, usually from the past and not necessarily with anyone else's actions involved.

There is privileged which is similar to honored but if anything it's stronger. Also, it cannot directly replace because it's used when what I'm getting has some lasting value.

If the President decides to thank me by sending me a letter, that would be an 'honor' but not a 'privilege'.

What I'm looking for is the word to use when my kind but not "important" neighbor decides to thank me by sending me a letter. 'honored' would be a very strong word to say in that case.

There's humbled too but I think it is, if anything, as strong as honored.

Improve this question
6
  • 3
    "I'm touched" might be what you're looking for.
    – eyeballfrog
    Jun 8, 2017 at 4:26
  • @YosefBaskin Like both, thanks. Both these fit my specific requirement too.
    – 0fnt
    Jun 8, 2017 at 4:50
  • @eyeballfrog Yes, it fits what I'm looking for ...
    – 0fnt
    Jun 8, 2017 at 4:52
  • I guess I'll make an answer then
    – eyeballfrog
    Jun 8, 2017 at 4:59
  • ...*gratified.*
    – aparente001
    Jun 8, 2017 at 5:30

5 Answers 5

Reset to default
8

While this might not be the site where this question can serve as a compendium of sorts for all synonyms, the words flattered or delighted are similar to and milder than honored.

Flatter--To please or gratify the vanity of: "What really flatters a man is that you think him worth flattering" (George Bernard Shaw). American Heritage, 5th Ed.

Delight--Extremely pleased (to do something): I'm delighted to hear it! Collins English Dictionary 12th Ed.

Improve this answer
1
  • Isn't it that 'honored' is more of a formal and serious nature compared to flattered or delighted which could be used in causal ways? E.g., when people acknowledge you say in a party/ reception, you are honored; not flattered. Flattery could be insincere whereas 'being honored' is a public acceptance. Just an observation!
    – Ram Pillai
    Jan 30, 2021 at 6:57
5

Perhaps, pleased works here.

ODO:

pleased ADJECTIVE

1 Feeling or showing pleasure and satisfaction, especially at an event or a situation.

‘he seemed really pleased that she was there’

Improve this answer
3

"I'm touched" is a way to express appreciation for something that's a little less strong and/or formal than "I'm honored". It does have some connotation of sentimentality, though, which might not be what you're going for.

Improve this answer
4
  • I didn't have that constraint in mind and the more the merrier anyway- for future readers.
    – 0fnt
    Jun 8, 2017 at 5:22
  • 1
    To me, touched has a danger of actually sounding more special, as "that touched me" can be seen as something very strong, moving, and rare. Touching sentiments to me conjure almost the image of a tear coming to the eye, and a pause to reflect. Still, I can definitely also recognize a usage/intention as to lesser significance as well. But I believe it would be ambiguous or elicit different responses/understandings from different people.
    – JeopardyTempest
    Jun 11, 2017 at 8:08
  • 1
    @JeopardyTempest I think you're right. It probably is open to interpretation when the way you put it made me realize that it's more likely to be interpreted as stronger. And I know I'm going against the site's rules here by inviting all collections but I don't think 15 points vs 10 points was the motivation behind them. In this particular case, having a nice list of synonyms of honors and their use cases would probably serve the site more if anything.
    – 0fnt
    Jun 12, 2017 at 7:29
  • I'm not as active here as some, but I don't believe it heavily goes against EL&U rules. Although it's subjective, it has legitimate answers of proper usage, and isn't just based on opinion... seems quite similar to typical word request questions to me. Indeed it may be a little less helped by quoting definitions, which isn't taken as friendly, but if anything, the fault is on our answers, not your question. That there may not be terrific answers isn't to great fault on you!
    – JeopardyTempest
    Jun 12, 2017 at 7:56
2

It seems that it will be hard to garner definitions that really gauge the degree of potency different words will have in this phrase, as they're often subtle, having changed over time, becoming cliche or shifting by associated usages, and different from the word standing alone. Plus they may often even vary just based upon challenging context changes. Consider even the phrase "thank you", it can be a passive (even dismissive) phrase just to meet cultural expectation... or can be used with passionate or intimate deep-seated gratitude. Many phrases will change meaning in different locations or contexts.

I suppose my best suggestion for trying to convey your lack of passion would be I'm appreciative. "Appreciation" seems more generally seen as a more middle-ground response, in comparison to responses like "awe" or "overwhelmed". Acts that go more in hand with appreciation to me are applause rather than ovation... and a thank you card rather than a deep debt of gratitude. A lot of this may come from the word being more conected to an intellectual response rather than an emotional response, as indicated by many of the related usages of the word...

-The act of estimating the qualities of things and giving them their proper value.
-Clear perception or recognition, especially of aesthetic quality: a course in art appreciation.
-An increase or rise in the value of property, goods, etc.
-Critical notice; evaluation; opinion, as of a situation, person, etc.
(Dictionary.com)

Ironically, another option might actually be I'm thankful. Despite the opportunity for the word to convey deeper meaning as noted above, it seems to be taken as rather basic and minimal in such usage. Usually a more emotional gratitude has additional indications, and in isolation is best heard in a voice rather than in text. I believe, at least here in America, someone who is really moved will be driven to find a more emotive word than simply thankful. Alternatively, to even more give a basic appreciation without any sign of depth to your response, I'd just go with thank you or thanks as being very basic, and having the benefit of avoiding introducing you as a subject into the topic at all, any usage of which may signal an extra response.

To me flattered, delighted, hono(u)red, and touched all show much more passion than thankful or appreciative. But I believe all such phrases will subtly vary depending upon your location and audience.

Improve this answer
0

Tickled. It's part touched, part honored, part grateful and light-hearted.

Cambridge

If something tickles you, you find it funny or it makes you happy

Hence it could be argued that you are tickled by the honor in the sense that it makes you happy.

Or use tickled pink:

Cambridge

informal: very pleased:

I was tickled pink to be invited.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    Your answer could be improved with additional supporting information. Please edit to add further details, such as citations or documentation, so that others can confirm that your answer is correct. You can find more information on how to write good answers in the help center.
    – Community Bot
    Jan 12, 2022 at 22:07
  • In the Ken Dodd register.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Jan 13, 2022 at 12:37

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.