pay tribute to

Meaning

This expression means to show respect, admiration, or gratitude to someone publicly, often through a speech, award, or written statement. It is typically used in formal settings, such as memorials, retirement parties, or award ceremonies. The tone is respectful, sincere, and dignified.

Examples

• The prime minister stood up to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers.

  The prime minister stood up to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers.

• At her retirement dinner, colleagues took turns to pay tribute to her years of dedication.

  At her retirement dinner, colleagues took turns to pay tribute to her years of dedication.

• The museum's new exhibition pays tribute to the pioneers of modern art.

  The museum's new exhibition pays tribute to the pioneers of modern art.

• The concert was organized to pay tribute to the legendary singer who passed away last year.

  The concert was organized to pay tribute to the legendary singer who passed away last year.

• In his speech, the director paid tribute to the hard work of the entire crew.

  In his speech, the director paid tribute to the hard work of the entire crew.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They gave tribute to the retired teacher.

  ✓ They paid tribute to the retired teacher.

  The verb 'pay' is the correct collocation for this expression, not 'give'.

• ✗ We want to pay tribute for his contributions.

  ✓ We want to pay tribute to his contributions.

  The correct preposition following 'tribute' is 'to', not 'for'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The award ceremony was a perfect opportunity to ___ the retiring CEO.

  💡 show formal respect to

  Show answer

  pay tribute to

• The monument was built to ___ the founders of the city.

  💡 honor publicly

  Show answer

  pay tribute to