OBE
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Title and Honorific
| Stands for | Officer of the Order of the British Empire |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
OBE stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire, a title and honorific abbreviation also used in government.
The fourth class of the Order of the British Empire, ranking above MBE and below CBE, awarded for a distinguished regional or national contribution. Holders write OBE after their names.
Example: Author Joanne Pike, OBE, will give the keynote address at this year's literary festival.
Usage notes
The order's motto is "For God and the Empire." Some people offered honors have declined them over the word "Empire," and a 2004 parliamentary committee recommended renaming the awards, a proposal the government rejected. Recipients can be stripped of an honor for misconduct. In other contexts OBE means an out-of-body experience.
Related abbreviations
More title and honorific abbreviations
- Mme. – Madame
- Mmes. – Mesdames (plural of Mrs. or Madame)
- Mr. – Mister
- Mrs. – Missus (originally Mistress)
- Ms. – Ms. (title for a woman regardless of marital status)
- Mx. – Mx. (gender-neutral courtesy title)
- Ofc. – Officer
- Pres. – President
- Prof. – Professor
- Rep. – Representative
- Rt. Hon. – Right Honourable
- Sec. – Secretary