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Bonus: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "bonus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bônus

🇮🇳 बोनस

🇩🇪 Bonus

🇮🇩 bonus

🇺🇦 бонус

🇵🇱 premia

🇯🇵 ボーナス

🇫🇷 bonus

🇪🇸 bonificación

🇹🇷 bonus

🇰🇷 보너스

🇸🇦 مكافأة

🇨🇿 bonus

🇸🇰 bonus

🇨🇳 奖金

🇸🇮 bonus

🇮🇸 bónus

🇰🇿 бонус

🇬🇪 ბონუსი

🇦🇿 bonus

🇲🇽 bono

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.