award
award Lexical Profile
award Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A prize, medal, trophy, or other mark of recognition given to honor an achievement or excellence in a particular field.
"She received the prestigious literary award for her debut historical novel."
A sum of money or financial grant officially assigned by a court, arbitrator, or institution, such as damages or a scholarship.
"The jury announced a substantial financial award to compensate the plaintiffs for their losses."
• verb
To give or bestow officially as a prize, honor, or mark of recognition for merit or achievement.
"The committee will award the gold medal to the highest-scoring gymnast."
To grant or assign officially by legal judgment, arbitration, or formal administrative decision (such as a contract or financial damages).
"The city council voted to award the construction contract to a local engineering firm."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Award' is frequently confused with 'reward': an award is conferred officially by a judging body to recognize excellence or achievement, whereas a reward is given in return for a specific service, effort, or good deed (such as finding a lost pet).
• Rhymes for award
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Anglo-Norman French 'eswarder' (to examine carefully and decide), formed from 'es-' (out, thoroughly) and 'warder' (to watch or guard), of Germanic origin.