Trophy: meaning, definitions and examples

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trophy

[ˈtrəʊfi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

award

A prize or memento awarded for an achievement.

Synonyms

award, medal, prize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trophy	Typically used to refer to a physical object that represents victory or achievement in sports, contests, or competitions. Often involves something durable and larger, like a cup or statue. The winning team hoisted the trophy high above their heads. He proudly displayed the golf trophy on his mantel.
award	Generally used in a wider range of contexts, including academic, professional, and artistic achievements. It can be a physical object or simply an acknowledgment of excellence. She received an award for her outstanding academic performance. The film won several awards at the international film festival.
prize	Refers to a reward given to someone for winning a competition, lottery, or contest. It can be anything from money to a physical object or experience. She won a cash prize in the art contest. The grand prize is a trip to Hawaii.
medal	Usually refers to a small metal disc given as a prize or honor, commonly associated with accomplishments in sports, military, or academics. He won a gold medal in the Olympic Games. The soldier was given a medal for bravery.

Examples of usage

She won a trophy for being the top salesperson of the year.
The team proudly displayed their trophy in the trophy case.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sports

A decorative object awarded as a prize for a victory or success.

Synonyms

award, medal, prize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trophy	Used to refer to a physical object, often a decorated cup or figure, awarded especially as a symbol of victory in sports or competitions. He proudly displayed his football trophy on the shelf. Winning the tournament earned her a large gold trophy.
award	A general term for any kind of recognition given for achievements, which can be physical or ceremonial. Common in professional, academic, and artistic contexts. She received an award for her outstanding research in biology. The film won several awards at the international film festival.
prize	A reward given to someone for winning a competition, contest, or lottery, which can be money, an item, or a title. Often used in informal or general contexts. The winner of the contest will receive a cash prize. She won a prize for her beautiful painting.
medal	Refers to a small, flat piece of metal, usually circular, awarded to someone as a symbol of an achievement, often in sports, the military, or academic competitions. He received a gold medal for winning first place in the race. Her bravery during the mission earned her a military medal.

Examples of usage

The tennis player lifted the championship trophy in triumph.
The team hoisted the trophy in celebration.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

trophy wife

A young, attractive wife regarded as a status symbol for an older man.

Synonyms

attractive partner, status symbol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trophy	In a non-literal sense, it can refer to someone, often a partner, who is seen as a prize or symbol of success, typically carrying a somewhat negative implication of objectification. He dated her because he wanted a trophy on his arm. Some people view attractive partners as nothing more than trophies.
status symbol	Refers to an object or possession that is meant to signify one’s social position, wealth, or prestige. Owning a luxury car can be seen as a status symbol. His designer clothes are more of a status symbol than a necessity.
attractive partner	Describes a romantic partner who is very physically appealing or desirable. This term can be neutral, but sometimes it may carry an objectifying connotation. She always dreamed of having an attractive partner who shares her interests. He feels lucky to have found such an attractive partner.

Word

Description / Examples

trophy

In a non-literal sense, it can refer to someone, often a partner, who is seen as a prize or symbol of success, typically carrying a somewhat negative implication of objectification.

He dated her because he wanted a trophy on his arm.
Some people view attractive partners as nothing more than trophies.

status symbol

Refers to an object or possession that is meant to signify one’s social position, wealth, or prestige.

Owning a luxury car can be seen as a status symbol.
His designer clothes are more of a status symbol than a necessity.

attractive partner

Describes a romantic partner who is very physically appealing or desirable. This term can be neutral, but sometimes it may carry an objectifying connotation.

She always dreamed of having an attractive partner who shares her interests.
He feels lucky to have found such an attractive partner.

Examples of usage

He married a much younger woman who was seen as his trophy wife.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'trophy' comes from the Greek word 'tropaion,' which meant a monument erected to commemorate a victory.
Originally, trophies were made from the spoils of war, like weapons, to symbolize a military victory.
In medieval times, trophies became more about recognition for accomplishments in sports and games.

Sports

Many sports have prestigious trophies, for example, the Stanley Cup in hockey or the FIFA World Cup Trophy in soccer.
Trophies often come in different shapes and designs, each representing the unique history and significance of the sport.
Winning a trophy can be a major career highlight for athletes, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Cultural Significance

Trophies often serve as symbols of excellence and can inspire others to strive for similar achievements.
In some cultures, trophies are not just awards but also status symbols, reflecting competitions and social standings.
Schools and organizations often use trophies in awards ceremonies to celebrate achievements and encourage participation.

Psychology

Winning a trophy can boost self-esteem and motivation, reinforcing the idea that hard work leads to success.
Collecting trophies can also become a way for individuals to seek validation and recognition from peers and society.
Research shows that tangible rewards, like trophies, can enhance a child's interest in an activity, fostering a love for learning.

Literature

Trophies often symbolize victory or achievement in novels and stories, representing a character's goals and desires.
In many tales, the journey to win a trophy reflects deeper themes of perseverance, teamwork, and personal growth.
Authors sometimes use trophies as metaphors, hinting at the fleeting nature of success and the importance of the journey over the outcome.

Translations

Translations of the word "trophy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 troféu

🇮🇳 ट्रॉफी

🇩🇪 Trophäe

🇮🇩 piala

🇺🇦 трофей

🇵🇱 trofeum

🇯🇵 トロフィー

🇫🇷 trophée

🇪🇸 trofeo

🇹🇷 kupa

🇰🇷 트로피

🇸🇦 كأس

🇨🇿 trofej

🇸🇰 trofej

🇨🇳 奖杯

🇸🇮 trofeja

🇮🇸 bikar

🇰🇿 трофей

🇬🇪 ტროფი

🇦🇿 kubok

🇲🇽 trofeo

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,886, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14883 verifying
14884 approximating
14885 assorted
14886 trophy
14887 peg
14888 antithesis
14889 chained
...