Key Difference – Chief Guest vs Guest of Honour
The two terms chief guest and guest of honour both refer to an important guest at an event, festivity or ceremony. Chief guest refers to the most important guest at a function whereas guest of honour refers to the person in whose honour a festivity or ceremony is held. This is the key difference between chief guest and guest of honour.
Who is a Chief Guest?
A chief guest is the most important guest at an event. In other words, chief guest is a guest attending a festivity or ceremony by special invitation. For example, suppose the minister of Education is invited to a prize-giving of a certain school. In this event, the minister is considered as the chief guest of the event. Chief guests are usually required to give a speech to the audience/ other guests at the gathering. People who are invited as chief guests usually have a high status in the society.
It is also important to note that the term chief guest is not a very common word, and this word is almost exclusively used in Asian English. (Indian English, Sri Lankan English, etc.)
Everyone listened carefully to the speech of the chief guest.
Who is a Guest of Honour?
A guest of honour is a person in whose honour a festivity or ceremony is held. For example, if your friends planned a party for you, you are the guest of honour. Similarly, the guest of honour at a farewell party is the person who is going away, the guest of honour at a birthday party is the person who is celebrating his or her birthday, and the guest of honour at a wedding is the wedding couple.
The term guest of honour can also refer to the most important guest at a party. In this sense, it is similar to chief guest. However, it is important to note that this term is more commonly used than chief guest.
The Ukrainian President was the guest of honour at the dinner.
The guest of honour gave a moving speech.
They raised their glasses in a toast to the guest of honour.
What is the difference between Chief Guest and Guest of Honour?
Definition:
Chief Guest is the main guest or a guest attending an event by special invitation.
Guest of Honour is the person in whose honour a festivity or ceremony is held.
Usage:
Chief Guest is a less common term, which is mostly used in Asian English.
Guest of Honour is more commonly used in Standard English.
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