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Bonus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bonus

[ˈbəʊnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

reward

Something given or paid over and above what is due.

Synonyms

incentive, premium, prize, reward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bonus

An extra payment given to employees, usually related to their performance or the company's profitability.

  • The company gave all its employees a holiday bonus
  • She received a substantial bonus for her outstanding sales
reward

Something given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement, sometimes used in general contexts not necessarily related to work.

  • The police offered a reward for information leading to the capture of the suspect
  • He received a reward for his years of dedicated service
prize

Something given as a reward to the winner of a competition, contest, or lottery.

  • She won the first prize in the science fair
  • The grand prize for the raffle is a new car
premium

An additional amount of money paid, often for something of higher quality or better service, or in insurance contexts.

  • Customers pay a premium for organic fruits
  • My health insurance premium increased this year
incentive

Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something, often used in a business or work environment.

  • The company offered a cash incentive to employees who met their quarterly targets
  • Tax incentives are available for businesses that invest in renewable energy

Examples of usage

  • Employees received a bonus for their hard work this year.
  • She was delighted to receive a Christmas bonus from her employer.
Context #2 | Noun

finance

An extra sum of money added to a person's wages as a reward for good performance.

Synonyms

extra, incentive, perk, premium.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bonus

Used in the context of work or achievement, typically referring to an additional sum of money given to employees.

  • Employees receive a bonus at the end of the year based on their performance
  • She received a bonus for meeting her sales targets
incentive

Used in contexts where motivation or encouragement is needed, often in workplaces or programs to stimulate performance or participation.

  • The company offered an incentive to employees who work overtime
  • There is a tax incentive for businesses that adopt green practices
perk

Refers to non-monetary benefits or privileges that come with a job or membership, often informal and seen as a plus but not essential.

  • One of the perks of working here is access to the company gym
  • Free coffee is a nice perk at the office
extra

Used in various contexts to indicate something additional or beyond the regular amount. Can refer to items, time, money, etc.

  • I always carry some extra cash for emergencies
  • He asked for an extra blanket because it was cold at night
premium

Can refer to higher quality or additional cost; often used in insurance, finance, or premium services/products.

  • You have to pay a premium for luxury items
  • He opted for the premium package which includes extra features

Examples of usage

  • The company offers an annual bonus based on sales performance.
  • The CEO decided to give out bonuses to all employees for exceeding targets.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Business and Economics

  • Many companies offer performance bonuses, which reward employees for exceeding their targets or contributing significantly.
  • Bonuses can take various forms, including cash, stocks, or other benefits, enhancing employee motivation.
  • The system of bonuses is widely adopted as a strategy to improve employee retention and loyalty.

Popular Culture

  • The 'Christmas bonus' tradition in the workplace often dates back to the early 20th century, incentivizing hard work before the holidays.
  • In video games, 'bonus levels' or 'bonus rounds' provide players with extra opportunities to earn rewards.
  • Many films and songs reference unexpected financial gains, symbolizing good luck or fortune.

Psychology

  • Receiving a bonus can create a sense of achievement, enhancing overall job satisfaction.
  • Psychological studies show that extrinsic motivators like bonuses can sometimes undermine intrinsic motivation over time.
  • The anticipation of a bonus can increase productivity, as employees work harder to reach their goals.

Historical Examples

  • During the Great Depression, some companies began offering bonuses to maintain morale among employees facing tough times.
  • The concept of profit-sharing is closely related to bonuses, dating back to early labor movements advocating for fair rewards.
  • In the military, soldiers have been awarded bonuses for reenlisting, reinforcing loyalty to their service.

Origin of 'bonus'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bonus' comes from Latin, meaning 'good' or 'well', reflecting the positive nature of the reward.
  • It was originally used in the 18th century to describe any good thing, not just financial rewards.
  • Today, it has evolved specifically to refer to extra earnings or perks in the workplace.

The word 'bonus' originated from the Latin word 'bonus' which means 'good'. It entered the English language in the 18th century. Initially, it was used in the context of extra payment to merchants or soldiers. Over time, the meaning expanded to include rewards or additional payments for exceptional performance. Today, 'bonus' is commonly used in the business world to refer to additional compensation or rewards beyond the regular salary.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,681 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.