Award Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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award

[ษ™หˆwษ”หrd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ceremony

A prize or other mark of recognition given in honor of an achievement.

Synonyms

medal, prize, trophy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
award

Given to recognize an achievement, effort, or service, usually in a formal setting.

  • She received an award for her outstanding contribution to the project
  • The company hosted an awards ceremony to honor its best employees
prize

Given to the winner of a competition or lottery and can be either an object or money.

  • He won the first prize in the art contest
  • The raffle prize was a brand new car
trophy

A large, often decorative object given to signify victory or achievement in a competition, typically in sports.

  • The team proudly displayed their championship trophy
  • She received a trophy for winning the tennis tournament
medal

A metal disc awarded for winning a competition or performing an act of bravery. Commonly in sports and military contexts.

  • She won a gold medal in the Olympics
  • The soldier was awarded a medal for his bravery in battle

Examples of usage

  • She received an award for her outstanding performance.
  • The award ceremony will take place next week.
Context #2 | Verb

achievement

To give a prize or other mark of recognition to someone in honor of an achievement.

Synonyms

bestow, grant, present.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
award

Use when referring to giving someone a prize or recognition for an achievement or competition.

  • She received an award for her outstanding performance
  • The Nobel Prize is one of the highest awards in the world
present

Use when giving something in a more casual or public setting, such as gifts, awards, or other items of recognition. It also implies the actual act of handing over the item.

  • He will present the trophy to the winning team
  • She presented him with a watch for his birthday
grant

Use when giving something officially or legally, often money, permission, or a right. It can also be used in a more formal way to agree to a request.

  • They were granted access to the restricted area
  • The government will grant scholarships to outstanding students
bestow

Use in formal or ceremonial contexts when giving an honor, title, or gift, usually implying a sense of honor.

  • The university will bestow an honorary degree on the renowned scientist
  • The king will bestow the title of knight upon the brave soldier

Examples of usage

  • The committee decided to award him with a scholarship.
  • They will award the best film of the year.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Receiving awards can boost self-esteem and motivation, encouraging people to strive for excellence.
  • Studies show that acknowledgment through awards enhances teamwork and collaboration in group settings.
  • The concept of rewards taps into the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine, which gives feelings of pleasure.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have unique customs for presenting awards, with ceremonies often deeply rooted in tradition.
  • In some regions, awards are given not just for individual achievement, but also for community contributions.
  • Sports awards, like the Olympic medals, have become global symbols of honor and hard work.

Literature

  • In many stories, characters receive awards for bravery, wisdom, or kindness, showcasing moral values.
  • Fictional awards can inspire real-life achievements, like the 'Noble Prize' in stories and movies about science and peace.
  • Literary awards like the Booker Prize elevate authors, leading to greater recognition and readership for their works.

Technology

  • In the tech world, awards highlight innovations and advancements in software and hardware development.
  • Technology competitions often award startups with grants or mentorship opportunities to foster creativity.
  • Hackathons frequently culminate in awards for solving complex problems, promoting community engagement and skill development.

Origin of 'award'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'auwarder', meaning to give or grant.
  • It traces back to the Latin word 'adwardare', combining 'ad' (to) and 'guardare' (to watch).
  • Originally, it indicated the act of giving something after watching someoneโ€™s performance.

The word 'award' originated from the Old French word 'a(u)guer', which means 'to look at, consider, or judge'. The sense of giving a prize or honor as an award dates back to the 14th century. Over time, the word has evolved to represent recognition of achievement or excellence in various fields such as sports, academics, and arts.


See also: awarded, awardees, awarding, awards.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,389, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.