Honorific

n.thoughtful, joyfulprofessional

What it means

A title or form of address that conventionally expresses respect, rank, or distinction.

Reach for it when naming respectful address while following the person's and culture's current usage

The interpreter explained which honorific was appropriate for the elder.

everyday
title
a recognized role or rank precedes or follows a name
not when Title is broad and can state occupation or ownership without expressing respect.
professional
courtesy title
social convention grants respectful address without substantive office
not when Courtesy title is a specific class and does not cover earned ranks or linguistic honorifics.
professional
form of address
the wording used to speak or write to someone is the issue
not when A form of address can be neutral or familiar and need not be honorific.
formal
epithet
a descriptive title has become attached to a person
not when An epithet can be hostile, mocking, or merely descriptive.
formal
style
official protocol specifies the complete manner of address
not when Style is specialist terminology and easily confused with fashion or writing manner.
literary
appellation
an elevated term is needed for a name or designation
not when Appellation does not itself signal respect and sounds ornate in practical guidance.

use an honorific
Writers should use an honorific only after confirming the person's preference.
formal honorific
The formal honorific changes with office and language.
appropriate honorific
An appropriate honorific in one culture may feel distant in another.
professional honorific
The professional honorific is protected by law in some jurisdictions.

Honorific systems vary by language, culture, gender, profession, and personal preference; verify current usage.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.