Honorary doctorates are prestigious accolades awarded by universities to individuals for significant contributions to their fields or society. They are not academic degrees but rather symbolic honors acknowledging achievements and impact. While they hold substantial respect and can enhance the recipient's reputation, honorary doctorates do not confer academic qualifications or professional credentials. Their recognition varies by institution and context, with some seeing them as a mark of distinction and others as ceremonial. Overall, they celebrate exceptional accomplishments and contribute to the recipient's public and professional esteem.