OBE
noun /ˌəʊ biː ˈiː/
/ˌəʊ biː ˈiː/
- an award given in the UK for a special achievement; a person who has received this award (the abbreviation for ‘Officer of the Order of the British Empire’)
- She was made an OBE.
- Matthew Silk OBE
CultureThe achievement can be in any activity, including sport, entertainment, politics and business. People who receive an OBE may put the letters OBE after their name. It is the fourth highest honour within the Order of the British Empire, above an MBE but below a CBE.Culture honourshonoursTwice a year several hundred British people who have achieved great success and earned people's respect receive a variety of honours. A few are made life peers, some are made knights, and many others are given less important awards. The honours lists are published on New Year's Day (the New Year Honours) and in June on the present Queen's official birthday (the Birthday Honours). At the end of each parliament before a general election, the Prime Minister recommends a list of politicians for the Dissolution Honours.For a long time senior members of the armed forces and the Civil Service were almost certain to receive honours, but now there are fewer of these awards. Now more are given to members of the public suggested by colleagues and friends, or by people who admire their achievements. The Ceremonial Secretariat receives suggestions and draws up a final list, which is approved by the prime minister. As well as the names of politicians and business people, it contains charity workers, well-known sports and television personalities, actors, musicians, etc., and many ordinary people. Honours are awarded by the king or queen, or another member of the Royal Family, in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.Many of the honours are associated with one of several orders of chivalry (= groups of successful and respected people). Some of the orders have different levels, for example, 'knight', 'commander', 'officer' and 'member'. Many people are given awards in the Order of the British Empire. Famous people may be given a CBE (commander rank) or OBE (officer rank); people recommended by members of the public are usually given an MBE (member rank). Some people think the title Order of the British Empire should be changed to get rid of the reference to the Empire that is no longer appropriate, but in 2004 it was decided that the name should not be changed. Most honours allow a person to put the relevant letters after their name. In addition to these honours there are many medals and decorations (= awards) for people who have shown great courage, both civilians (= members of the public) and members of the police and the armed forces.In the US there is no system of honours like that in Britain, though a number of medals are awarded for great achievement or for being brave. These include the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.Topics Successc2