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honorary

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The definition of honorary refers to some distinction, status or award given without the person bestowed with the honor being made to fulfill the usual requirements, or a person who has been bestowed with such an honor, or a person holding a position without being paid for it.

(adjective)

If you never graduated from college but a university gives you a degree anyway, this is an example of an honorary degree.
If you are allowed to be a part of a club without ever having actually formally completed the membership requirements, this is an example of a time when you are an honorary member.
If you are acting as treasurer of a club without being paid for doing so, this is an example of a time when you are an honorary treasurer.

See honorary in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

given as an honor only, without the usual requirements or privileges: an honorary degree
1. designating an office or position held as an honor only, without service or pay
2. holding such a position or office
3. recognizing academic distinction or accomplishment: an honorary society
depending on one's honor; that cannot be legally enforced or collected: said of debts, etc.

Origin: L honorarius, of or conferring honor

Related Forms:

honorarily adverb

See honorary in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Held or given as a mark of honor, especially conferred as an honor without the usual adjuncts: an honorary degree.
a. Holding an office or title given as an honor, without payment: an honorary colonel.
b. Voluntary: the council's honorary secretary.
Relying on honor and not legally enforceable, as a duty or obligation.

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