Award vs Reward
What’s the difference between them?
Award
Meaning:
a prize or other mark of recognition for a very significant achievement.
Examples:
1. She won the award for her excellence in academics.
2. The award ceremony was a grand success.
3. His diligence and hard work were acknowledged with a special award.
Reward
Meaning:
recognition of somebody's effort.
Examples:
1. The teacher promised a reward for completing the assignment on time.
2. The reward for his hard work was a promotion.
3. She was rewarded with a gift card for her contribution to the project.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Award
1. Trophy
2. Accolade
3. Honor
4. Bestowal
5. Recognition
1. Penalty
2. Penalty or Punishment
3. Revoke
4. Deny
5. Withhold
Reward
1. Compensate
2. Remuneration
3. Payment
4. Reward by return
5. Recompense
1. Punishment
2. Adversity
3. Penalty
4. Detriment
5. Disadvantage
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Award", "Reward".
1. Awards are usually given for big achievements, such as winning a sports championship, or for outstanding performance in academics or the workplace.
2. Rewards are given for smaller accomplishments, such as finishing a task or meeting a goal.
3. Awards tend to be formal and come with tangible items, such as trophies or certificates.
4. Rewards tend to be informal and don't necessarily come with tangible items.
5. To help remember the difference, think of awards as delivering recognition for an achievement, something you can show off and be proud of.
6. Rewards are more like incentives that encourage continued effort.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should the word 'Award' be used?
Award should be used to recognize a very significant achievement. It should be given to someone who has made a meaningful contribution to a cause, project, or organization. Awarding is usually done at a ceremony or other special occasion.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'Reward'?
Reward should be used to recognize someone's effort or hard work. It can be used for small achievements or success in a task, or to express appreciation or gratitude. It doesn't have to be a physical or monetary reward; it can also be something intangible, such as praise.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. Award is pronounced with a long 'aw' sound and a hard 'd' sound. Reward is pronounced with a short 'e' sound and a hard 'd' sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake is using reward to denote a very significant achievement, when it should be used to denote recognition of effort. Another mistake is using award to denote recognition for small tasks, when it is only meant to recognize very significant achievements. Finally, some people mispronounce the words, using the wrong vowel or consonant sounds.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. She received an ___________ for her hard work.
2. He was presented with an ___________ for his outstanding efforts.
3. He was given an ___________ for his bravery.
4. She was recognised with an ___________ for her dedication.
5. His diligence was rewarded with an ___________.
6. He was granted an ___________ for his contributions.
Award.
Explanation: The word award implies an official recognition of accomplishment and is a more appropriate choice than reward for a situation where an individual is being given recognition for their hard work.
Award.
Explanation: The word award implies an official recognition of achievement and is a better choice than reward for a situation where an individual is being given recognition for their outstanding efforts.
Reward.
Explanation: The word reward implies more of a tangible or financial benefit for an action, which is more fitting for a situation involving bravery.
Award.
Explanation: The word award implies an official recognition of accomplishment and is a more appropriate choice than reward for a situation where an individual is being given recognition for their dedication.
Reward.
Explanation: The word reward implies more of a tangible or financial benefit for an action, which is more fitting for a situation involving diligence.
Reward.
Explanation: The word reward implies more of a tangible or financial benefit for an action, which is more fitting for a situation involving contributions.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.