izzat means honour, pride; reputation. It carries an Arena rating of 1711, earned across 12 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, izzat ranks #1,950 of 17,126 for Most Elegant Words, #4,914 of 17,130 for Most Beautiful Words, #4,952 of 17,127 for Words That Escaped Their Books, #5,310 of 17,134 for Most Malleable Words.
Why “izzat” is a great word
A deeply personal and familial concept of honour, social standing, and reputation, particularly one that must be actively protected and upheld. Borrowed from Hindustani (Urdu عِزَّت and Hindi इज़्ज़त), from Classical Persian عِزَّت (izzat), from Arabic عِزَّة (ʕizza, 'glory, honour, might'), it first entered English circa 1855–60. Unlike prestige, which is earned through public achievement, or reputation, which denotes the general opinion of others, izzat is an inherent, collective asset—a fragile vessel carried by the individual for the family and the community. It is the unspoken tension in a room when a name is mentioned, the careful orchestration of a marriage alliance, and the swift, terrible rustle of gossip moving through a bazaar; a currency of respect so vital its defence can define a life, making it both a shield and a cage.
Etymology
Borrowed from Hindustani عِزَّت ('izzat) / इज़्ज़त (izzat), from Classical Persian عِزَّت (izzat), from Arabic عِزَّة (ʕizza).
noun
- Honour, pride; reputation.
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- namus 54% match — A concept of virtue and honor within a family, typically relating to chastity of female family members. vs izzat →
- honor 54% match — Recognition of importance or value; respect; veneration (of someone, usually for being morally upright or successful). vs izzat →
- honourability 53% match — A state or condition or being honourable. vs izzat →
- dignity 52% match — The state of being dignified or worthy of esteem: elevation of mind or character. vs izzat →
- honoured 52% match — Respected, having received honour. vs izzat →
- esteem 52% match — Assessment, estimation, or regard; especially; favourable estimation or regard. vs izzat →
- dignation 50% match — The act of thinking or treating as worthy; honour (especially of God). vs izzat →
- atas 50% match — High-class, fancy (elevated in status, esteem, prestige; exalted in rank, station, or character). vs izzat →