The words “honorarium” and “stipend” both refer to forms of payment, but they are used in different contexts and carry different meanings. This lesson will define each term and provide examples to clarify their distinct meanings and proper usage.
Honorarium
Definition:
An “honorarium” is a gift or token payment given for a service, often as a gesture of appreciation, rather than a set price. It is typically offered for services where formal compensation is not expected or required.
Examples of use:
“They gave Kerry an honorarium for his architecture advice.”
“The guest speaker received an honorarium for delivering the keynote address.”
“After volunteering her time, she was surprised to receive an honorarium for her efforts.”
Stipend
Definition:
A “stipend” is an agreed-upon sum of money paid regularly, often as compensation for services or to support someone in a particular role, such as a student, intern, or researcher. Unlike an honorarium, a stipend is typically a set amount paid on a regular basis.
Examples of use:
“She gets a large stipend from the college every three months.”
“The graduate students receive a monthly stipend to cover their living expenses.”
“The intern was provided with a modest stipend to help with travel costs.”
Both “honorarium” and “stipend” involve payments, but they are used in different situations. An “honorarium” is a one-time gift or token of appreciation, often for voluntary or non-obligatory services, while a “stipend” is a regular payment agreed upon for ongoing services or support. Understanding these distinctions helps ensure that you use these terms accurately in different contexts.
