Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun #14 am häufigsten 16 Min. Lesezeit

reward

Top 14

At the A1 level, 'reward' is a simple word that means getting something good because you did something good. Imagine a teacher giving you a gold star because you finished your homework. That star is a reward. Or imagine your mom gives you an ice cream because you cleaned your room. The ice cream is a reward. It is like a 'thank you' gift that you earn. You usually use it with simple verbs like 'get' or 'give.' For example: 'I got a reward.' 'The teacher gives rewards.' It is always a positive thing at this level. You can think of it as a prize for being good or working hard. It helps children and beginners understand that good actions have good results.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'reward' in more places. It's not just for children; adults get rewards too. You might hear about a 'reward' for finding a lost dog or a lost wallet. This is a small amount of money someone gives you to say thank you. You also see it in shops, like 'reward points' on a card. If you buy many coffees, you get a free one as a reward. Grammatically, you use 'reward for.' For example, 'She got a reward for finding the keys.' You also learn that rewards can be things like money, toys, or even just a 'well done.' It is a very common word in daily life and simple stories.

At the B1 level, 'reward' becomes more versatile. You understand that a reward can be tangible (like money) or intangible (like a feeling of satisfaction). You learn phrases like 'reap the rewards,' which means to get the good results of your hard work after a long time. For example, 'If you study hard now, you will reap the rewards in the future.' You also start to distinguish 'reward' from 'award.' You know that a reward is usually for a specific helpful act, while an award is for being the best in a competition. You can use it in professional contexts, like 'employee rewards,' and you understand that rewards are used to motivate people to work harder or be better.

At the B2 level, you use 'reward' to discuss complex ideas like motivation and social systems. You might talk about 'intrinsic rewards' (the good feeling inside) versus 'extrinsic rewards' (money or prizes). You understand that rewards can be used to influence behavior in society, such as 'tax rewards' for companies that are green. You also recognize the word in more formal or literary contexts, such as 'virtue is its own reward.' You are comfortable using the word as both a noun and a verb, and you can use it with a wide range of adjectives like 'generous,' 'just,' 'modest,' or 'substantial.' You understand the nuances of 'risk vs. reward' in business and decision-making.

At the C1 level, you use 'reward' with precision in academic, professional, and philosophical discussions. You might analyze the 'reward systems' in the brain, focusing on how dopamine acts as a biological reward. You can discuss the ethics of rewards in education—whether giving kids rewards actually makes them less interested in learning for its own sake. You use sophisticated synonyms like 'recompense,' 'remuneration,' or 'inducement' depending on the context. You understand the historical and legal implications of 'bounties' and 'gratuities.' Your usage is fluid, and you can use the word metaphorically to describe the outcomes of complex social or historical processes.

At the C2 level, 'reward' is a tool for nuanced expression. You might use it to critique meritocratic systems, questioning who defines what is 'deserving' of a reward. You can employ the word in high-level literary analysis, discussing how a character's 'just rewards' serve the theme of a novel. You understand the subtle irony when 'reward' is used to describe a negative but fitting consequence. Your vocabulary includes rare collocations and you can switch between registers effortlessly—from the clinical language of behavioral psychology to the evocative language of poetry. You see 'reward' not just as a thing, but as a fundamental concept in human evolution, social contract theory, and moral philosophy.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

reward in 30 Sekunden

A reward is a positive consequence given in recognition of an action, effort, or service, often used to motivate or thank someone.
It can be a physical item like money or a trophy, or an abstract feeling like pride or satisfaction after achieving a goal.
Commonly used in contexts like lost-and-found, workplace performance, education, and behavioral psychology to describe positive reinforcement.
Unlike an award, which is for excellence in competition, a reward is typically transactional, given specifically for a helpful or required task.

The term reward serves as a cornerstone in the architecture of human motivation and social exchange. At its most fundamental level, a reward is a consequence that follows a specific behavior, intended to acknowledge, validate, or encourage that behavior in the future. It is the 'carrot' in the proverbial 'carrot and stick' approach to management and discipline. Unlike a simple gift, which might be given without any specific prerequisite, a reward is inherently transactional and conditional; it is earned through effort, excellence, or the fulfillment of a particular duty. In the modern world, rewards manifest in diverse forms, ranging from the physiological dopamine hit one receives from a social media notification to the formal, high-stakes financial bonuses distributed in corporate boardrooms. Understanding the nuance of this word requires looking beyond the physical object and examining the psychological intent behind it.

The Psychological Dimension: In psychology, specifically within operant conditioning, a reward is often synonymous with positive reinforcement. It is the stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. This can be intrinsic, such as the internal sense of pride one feels after completing a difficult marathon, or extrinsic, such as the medal placed around the runner's neck. The word 'reward' captures both the tangible and the intangible, making it a versatile tool in discussions about education, parenting, and self-improvement.

The company offered a generous financial reward to any employee who could suggest a way to reduce carbon emissions by twenty percent.

Professional Contexts: In the workplace, 'reward' is frequently used in the context of 'Total Rewards' packages, which include salary, benefits, and recognition programs. Managers use rewards to drive performance and retain talent. It is not merely about the money; it is about the signal that the organization values the individual's contribution. When a project is completed ahead of schedule, a team might receive a reward in the form of extra vacation days or a public commendation during a company-wide meeting.

Furthermore, the word is deeply embedded in the legal and civic sectors. Police departments often post a 'reward' for information leading to the arrest of a suspect. In this context, the reward acts as a bounty, a specific sum of money offered to the public to incentivize cooperation with the law. This usage highlights the 'incentive' aspect of the word, where the promise of the reward precedes the action. Similarly, in the world of loyalty programs, customers earn rewards for their continued patronage, such as frequent flyer miles or 'buy ten, get one free' coffee cards. These systems are designed to foster a sense of mutual benefit between the consumer and the brand.

After months of rigorous training and strict dieting, the athlete felt that winning the gold medal was the ultimate reward for her sacrifices.

Social and Moral Implications: On a more philosophical level, the concept of reward is tied to justice and meritocracy. We often speak of 'just rewards,' implying that people should receive what they deserve based on their actions. This can be positive (receiving a prize for kindness) or, ironically, negative (receiving a 'reward' in the form of a consequence for bad behavior, though 'punishment' is more common here). The phrase 'virtue is its own reward' suggests that the internal satisfaction of doing good is more valuable than any external prize.

The teacher gave the students a small reward of stickers for staying quiet during the library session.

There is a five-thousand-dollar reward for the return of the missing cat, no questions asked.

In conclusion, 'reward' is a multifaceted noun that bridges the gap between action and consequence. Whether it is a gold star on a child's homework, a multi-million dollar bounty, or the simple feeling of satisfaction after a job well done, a reward serves to validate the effort expended. It is a fundamental part of how we organize society, motivate individuals, and understand the relationship between what we do and what we receive in return. Its usage is pervasive across all levels of formal and informal English, making it an essential term for any learner to master.

Using the noun reward correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns and the verbs that typically accompany it. As a countable noun, it often follows verbs like 'offer,' 'give,' 'receive,' 'earn,' or 'reap.' Each of these verbs places the reward in a slightly different stage of the action-consequence cycle. For instance, 'offering a reward' happens before the action, while 'reaping the rewards' happens long after the action has been completed. The versatility of 'reward' allows it to function in both highly formal legal documents and very casual everyday conversations.

Common Verb Pairings: The most common way to use 'reward' is with the verb 'receive.' For example, 'She received a reward for her bravery.' Another frequent pairing is 'offer,' especially in the context of lost items or criminal investigations: 'The police are offering a reward for any information.' When discussing the long-term benefits of hard work, we often use 'reap,' as in 'He is finally reaping the rewards of his years of study.' This metaphorical use suggests a harvest, where the effort is the planting and the reward is the crop.

If you find my lost wallet, I will give you a ten-dollar reward.

Prepositional Usage: The preposition 'for' is almost always used to link the reward to the action that earned it. You receive a reward *for* something. 'He was given a reward for his honesty.' Occasionally, you might see 'as a reward,' which functions as an adverbial phrase: 'They went to the cinema as a reward for finishing their chores.' This structure emphasizes the purpose of the activity. Another common preposition is 'of,' used to define the nature of the reward: 'The reward of hard work is often more work,' or 'A reward of $500.'

When constructing sentences, it is also important to distinguish between the noun and the verb form of 'reward.' While this entry focuses on the noun, the verb 'to reward' is also very common ('The teacher rewarded the students'). As a noun, it often takes adjectives that describe its size or nature, such as 'generous,' 'modest,' 'financial,' 'tangible,' or 'just.' For example, 'The 'just reward' for his crimes was a long prison sentence' uses the word in a slightly ironic or negative sense, though this is less common than the positive sense.

The scientist's greatest reward was seeing her discovery save thousands of lives.

Abstract vs. Concrete Rewards: Concrete rewards are physical things: money, a trophy, a piece of cake. Abstract rewards are feelings or status: praise, satisfaction, a promotion, or public recognition. In academic writing, you might see phrases like 'extrinsic rewards' (external) and 'intrinsic rewards' (internal). 'The study found that intrinsic rewards are more effective for long-term motivation than extrinsic ones.'

Parenting offers many rewards, though they are not always financial in nature.

The detective was determined to claim the reward by solving the case before the end of the month.

In summary, when using 'reward' in a sentence, identify whether the reward is a specific object or a general feeling, choose an appropriate verb (like 'earn' or 'give'), and use the preposition 'for' to explain why the reward was given. This will ensure your sentences are both grammatically correct and naturally phrased for a B1 level and beyond.

The word reward is ubiquitous, appearing in contexts ranging from the most mundane daily interactions to high-stakes international news. If you are a student, you hear it from teachers discussing grades or 'star charts.' If you are an employee, you hear it during performance reviews or when discussing 'reward and recognition' programs. If you are a consumer, you see it on every second app you open, from Starbucks to Amazon, where 'rewards points' are the currency of customer loyalty. The word is so deeply ingrained in our economic and social systems that it is almost impossible to go a day without encountering it in some form.

In Digital Spaces and Gaming: Perhaps the most frequent place young people and tech users hear 'reward' today is in the digital world. Video games are built entirely around 'reward loops.' You complete a level; you get a reward. You defeat an enemy; you get a reward. This has bled into non-gaming apps through 'gamification.' Duolingo gives you 'lingots' as a reward for a 10-day streak. Fitness apps give you 'badges' as a reward for hitting your step goal. In these contexts, 'reward' is used to describe the digital tokens that keep users engaged.

'Congratulations! You've earned a reward of 50 bonus points for your next purchase!' — An automated marketing email.

In News and Crime Reporting: In the news, 'reward' often has a more serious tone. You will hear news anchors say, 'Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.' This is a very specific, formal use of the word. It implies a legal contract: if you provide the information, the state or an organization is legally bound to pay you. You might also hear about 'rewards' in the context of scientific breakthroughs, such as the Nobel Prize being described as the 'ultimate reward' for a lifetime of research.

In the domestic sphere, parents and pet owners use the word constantly. 'If you finish your vegetables, you'll get a reward,' a parent might say, usually referring to dessert. Dog trainers emphasize 'reward-based training,' where a treat is the reward for a dog sitting or staying on command. In these cases, the word is synonymous with 'treat' or 'positive consequence.' It is used to explain the 'why' behind an action to a child or to describe a training methodology to a fellow pet owner.

'The reward for your patience during this delay is a free meal voucher,' the airline representative announced to the frustrated passengers.

In Literature and Film: Storytelling often revolves around the 'Hero's Reward.' After the protagonist overcomes the conflict, they receive a reward—be it the hand of a princess, a chest of gold, or simply returning home with a new perspective. In movies, a 'bounty hunter' is someone who hunts people for a reward. This usage connects the word to themes of justice, greed, and fate.

'Is there a reward for finding the lost dog?' the neighbor asked hopefully.

'The internal reward of helping others is often greater than any paycheck,' the volunteer explained.

Finally, you will hear 'reward' in the world of finance and investment. Financial advisors talk about the 'potential rewards' of a high-risk stock. Here, the reward is the profit or return on investment. This usage is more abstract, as the reward isn't 'given' by a person but 'generated' by the market. Whether it's a literal bag of gold or a figurative sense of accomplishment, 'reward' is the word we use to describe the positive outcomes we seek in every area of life.

While reward is a relatively straightforward word, English learners often confuse it with similar terms like 'award,' 'prize,' or 'incentive.' These words are related but have distinct meanings and usage patterns. Misusing them can make a sentence sound unnatural or even change its meaning entirely. Another common error involves the grammatical structure—specifically, the prepositions used with 'reward' and the distinction between the noun and the verb forms.

Reward vs. Award: This is the most frequent mistake. An 'award' is usually a formal recognition given by a committee or a judge, often in a competition (like the Oscars or a 'Student of the Month' award). A 'reward' is more general and often transactional—it is given in return for a specific service or behavior. You get an *award* for being the best actor, but you get a *reward* for finding someone's lost keys. An award is about status and excellence; a reward is about recognition and compensation.

Incorrect: He won a reward for the best film.
Correct: He won an award for the best film.

Reward vs. Prize: A 'prize' is something you win by chance or by being the best in a competition (like a lottery prize or a first-place prize in a race). A 'reward' is specifically for an action you performed. If you win a race, you get a prize. If you work hard all year and your boss gives you a bonus, that is a reward. The key difference is that a prize is won, while a reward is earned or given in recognition.

Grammatically, learners sometimes use the wrong preposition. As mentioned before, 'reward for' is the standard. Using 'reward of' is only correct when you are specifying the amount or the thing itself (e.g., 'a reward of $100'). Using 'reward to' is usually incorrect unless you are saying 'a reward to the winner,' but even then, 'for the winner' is often better. Another mistake is forgetting that 'reward' can be a verb. Some students say 'He gave a reward to me' when 'He rewarded me' is more direct and natural.

Incorrect: The reward from my hard work was success.
Correct: The reward for my hard work was success.

Confusing Reward with Incentive: An 'incentive' is something offered to motivate someone to do something in the future. A 'reward' is usually given after the thing is done. While they are related, 'incentive' focuses on the motivation, while 'reward' focuses on the recognition. If a company says, 'If you sell 10 cars, you get a trip to Hawaii,' the trip is both an incentive (before) and a reward (after). However, you wouldn't call a child's sticker a 'reward' until they've actually done the work.

Incorrect: I received a reward of a trophy.
Correct: I received a trophy as a reward.

Incorrect: There is a reward for the person who wins the lottery.
Correct: There is a prize for the person who wins the lottery.

To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: Was this given by a judge in a competition (Award)? Was it won by luck or by being #1 (Prize)? Was it given to motivate me before I started (Incentive)? Or was it given to recognize my specific effort or service (Reward)? By categorizing the situation correctly, you will choose the right word every time.

The English language is rich with synonyms for reward, each carrying its own specific connotation and register. Choosing the right alternative depends on whether you are talking about money, a formal honor, a psychological benefit, or a simple thank-you gift. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more precise and sophisticated in your writing and speaking. From 'recompense' in formal settings to 'payoff' in more casual or cynical ones, the options are numerous.

Formal Alternatives: In formal or legal contexts, 'recompense' and 'remuneration' are often used. 'Recompense' suggests making up for a loss or effort: 'He received no recompense for his long hours of labor.' 'Remuneration' specifically refers to payment for work or service: 'The remuneration for this position is competitive.' Another formal term is 'gratuity,' which is a fancy word for a tip or a small reward for service. 'Bounty' is also formal, specifically referring to a reward offered by a government.

The company provided a generous recompense to the families affected by the accident.

Casual and Figurative Alternatives: In everyday speech, you might use 'payoff' or 'bonus.' 'Payoff' can be neutral ('The payoff for all that studying was an A') or slightly negative, implying a bribe or a cynical transaction ('The politician expected a payoff for his vote'). 'Bonus' is specifically an extra reward, usually financial, on top of what is expected. 'Treat' is a very common casual alternative, especially when the reward is food or a small luxury: 'I bought myself a new book as a treat for finishing the project.'

When comparing 'reward' to 'award' and 'prize,' it's helpful to look at them side-by-side. An 'award' is about merit and public recognition. A 'prize' is about winning a contest. A 'reward' is about the return on an action. If you are writing a story about a detective, they might get a 'reward' for finding a criminal. If you are writing about a scientist, they might get an 'award' for their discovery. If you are writing about a lottery winner, they get a 'prize.'

The incentive of a free lunch encouraged everyone to attend the meeting on time.

Comparison Table

Reward: Recognition for a specific service or act (e.g., finding a dog).
Award: Formal honor for excellence (e.g., a trophy for best student).
Prize: Something won in a competition or game of chance (e.g., a raffle prize).
Bounty: A reward offered by an authority for capturing someone.
Premium: A reward or prize given as an inducement (e.g., a free gift with purchase).

The long-term benefits of exercise are a reward that money cannot buy.

He viewed his promotion as the ultimate recognition of his loyalty to the firm.

By mastering these synonyms, you can tailor your language to your audience. Use 'remuneration' in a business contract, 'treat' when talking to a friend, and 'reward' for most general situations. This variety makes your English more natural and precise, allowing you to convey the exact type of 'reward' you are talking about.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The words 'reward' and 'regard' are actually doublets, meaning they come from the same source. While 'regard' kept the meaning of 'looking at' or 'respecting', 'reward' evolved to mean the thing given after looking at someone's work.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /rɪˈwɔːd/

US /rɪˈwɔːrd/

The stress is on the second syllable: re-WARD.

Reimt sich auf

award afford board chord lord stored ignored scored

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'w' as a 'v' (common in some European languages).
Stressing the first syllable (RE-ward) instead of the second.
Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'hot' instead of 'aw'.
Making the 'e' in the first syllable too long (ree-ward).
Dropping the final 'd' sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in most texts, though abstract uses in philosophy can be tricky.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires knowledge of the correct prepositions (for/of) and distinguishing from 'award'.

Sprechen 3/5

Commonly used in daily life; pronunciation is straightforward if stress is correct.

Hören 2/5

Very common in media and daily speech; easy to hear.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

give get good work prize

Als Nächstes lernen

award incentive recognition merit compensation

Fortgeschritten

remuneration recompense gratification reinforcement bounty

Wichtige Grammatik

Countable Nouns

I have two rewards to give out today.

Prepositional Phrases

The reward *for* finding the keys was $20.

Gerunds after Prepositions

He got a reward for *helping* the old lady.

Passive Voice

A reward *was offered* by the local council.

Zero Article for Abstract Use

Hard work brings reward.

Beispiele nach Niveau

The teacher gave me a sticker as a reward.

Le professeur m'a donné un autocollant en récompense.

Used as a countable noun with the indefinite article 'a'.

I want a reward for cleaning my room.

Je veux une récompense pour avoir nettoyé ma chambre.

The preposition 'for' introduces the reason for the reward.

Is there a reward for this game?

Y a-t-il une récompense pour ce jeu ?

Question form using 'is there'.

The dog got a reward for sitting.

Le chien a eu une récompense pour s'être assis.

Simple past tense 'got'.

Good work brings a good reward.

Un bon travail apporte une bonne récompense.

Subject-verb-object structure.

He gave his friend a small reward.

Il a donné à son ami une petite récompense.

Indirect object (friend) and direct object (reward).

The reward is a piece of candy.

La récompense est un bonbon.

Using the linking verb 'is'.

They have many rewards for the kids.

Ils ont beaucoup de récompenses pour les enfants.

Plural form 'rewards'.

There is a $50 reward for the lost cat.

Il y a une récompense de 50 $ pour le chat perdu.

Specifying the amount of the reward using the dollar sign.

You can earn rewards by using this card.

Vous pouvez gagner des récompenses en utilisant cette carte.

Using the verb 'earn' which implies effort or repeated action.

She received a reward for her help at the hospital.

Elle a reçu une récompense pour son aide à l'hôpital.

More formal verb 'received' compared to 'got'.

The company offers a reward to the best employee.

L'entreprise offre une récompense au meilleur employé.

Verb 'offers' suggests a promise of a future reward.

What is the reward for finishing the race?

Quelle est la récompense pour avoir fini la course ?

Wh-question structure.

He worked hard and got his reward.

Il a travaillé dur et a obtenu sa récompense.

Possessive adjective 'his' used with reward.

The police are offering a reward for information.

La police offre une récompense pour toute information.

Present continuous 'are offering'.

The children were promised a reward if they behaved.

On a promis une récompense aux enfants s'ils se comportaient bien.

Passive voice 'were promised'.

The satisfaction of helping others is a great reward.

La satisfaction d'aider les autres est une grande récompense.

Abstract use of reward, referring to a feeling.

You will reap the rewards of your hard work later.

Vous récolterez les fruits de votre dur labeur plus tard.

Idiomatic expression 'reap the rewards'.

The financial reward was not as important as the praise.

La récompense financière n'était pas aussi importante que les éloges.

Comparison using 'not as... as'.

The app gives you a reward every time you log in.

L'application vous donne une récompense chaque fois que vous vous connectez.

Frequency expression 'every time'.

They offered a substantial reward for the return of the jewelry.

Ils ont offert une récompense substantielle pour la restitution des bijoux.

Adjective 'substantial' used to describe a large reward.

Winning the competition was a just reward for her dedication.

Gagner le concours était une juste récompense pour son dévouement.

The phrase 'just reward' implies the reward was deserved.

He didn't do it for the reward; he did it because it was right.

Il ne l'a pas fait pour la récompense ; il l'a fait parce que c'était juste.

Contrastive structure 'not for X, but for Y'.

The program provides rewards for loyal customers.

Le programme offre des récompenses aux clients fidèles.

Verb 'provides' used in a business context.

The potential rewards of the investment outweigh the risks.

Les récompenses potentielles de l'investissement l'emportent sur les risques.

Abstract plural 'rewards' used in a financial context.

Intrinsic rewards, such as a sense of achievement, are very powerful.

Les récompenses intrinsèques, comme le sentiment d'accomplissement, sont très puissantes.

Technical term 'intrinsic rewards'.

The government is considering a reward system for carbon reduction.

Le gouvernement envisage un système de récompense pour la réduction du carbone.

Compound noun 'reward system'.

He felt that his promotion was a fitting reward for his loyalty.

Il estimait que sa promotion était une récompense appropriée pour sa loyauté.

Adjective 'fitting' meaning appropriate.

The study explores how rewards affect student motivation.

L'étude explore comment les récompenses affectent la motivation des étudiants.

Academic context using 'explores' and 'affect'.

There is little reward in working for a company that doesn't value you.

Il y a peu de récompense à travailler pour une entreprise qui ne vous apprécie pas.

Using 'little reward' to mean 'not much benefit'.

The explorer's reward was the discovery of a new species.

La récompense de l'explorateur fut la découverte d'une nouvelle espèce.

Genitive 'explorer's reward'.

She was finally beginning to see the rewards of her long-term strategy.

Elle commençait enfin à voir les fruits de sa stratégie à long terme.

Plural 'rewards' referring to multiple positive outcomes.

The brain's reward circuitry is heavily involved in addiction.

Les circuits de récompense du cerveau sont fortement impliqués dans l'addiction.

Scientific term 'reward circuitry'.

Virtue is its own reward, but a little recognition never hurts.

La vertu est sa propre récompense, mais un peu de reconnaissance ne fait jamais de mal.

Philosophical proverb used as a starting point for a sentence.

The fiscal rewards of the deal were secondary to its strategic importance.

Les récompenses fiscales de l'accord étaient secondaires par rapport à son importance stratégique.

Formal adjective 'fiscal' and 'secondary'.

The bounty hunter traveled across the state to claim the reward.

Le chasseur de primes a traversé l'État pour réclamer la récompense.

Specific cultural/historical context.

Critics argue that external rewards can diminish intrinsic interest.

Les critiques soutiennent que les récompenses externes peuvent diminuer l'intérêt intrinsèque.

Subordinate clause introduced by 'that'.

The artist found the creative process to be a reward in itself.

L'artiste a trouvé que le processus créatif était une récompense en soi.

The phrase 'in itself' emphasizes the inherent value.

The legal system must ensure that the reward is proportional to the service.

Le système juridique doit veiller à ce que la récompense soit proportionnelle au service.

Formal modal 'must' and adjective 'proportional'.

The sheer scale of the reward tempted even the most honest citizens.

L'ampleur même de la récompense a tenté même les citoyens les plus honnêtes.

Using 'sheer' for emphasis.

The existential reward of a life well-lived is a sense of profound peace.

La récompense existentielle d'une vie bien vécue est un sentiment de paix profonde.

Highly abstract and philosophical usage.

One might question the morality of offering a reward for information obtained under duress.

On pourrait s'interroger sur la moralité d'offrir une récompense pour des informations obtenues sous la contrainte.

Complex sentence with a conditional 'might' and passive 'obtained'.

The socio-economic rewards of the policy were distributed unevenly across the population.

Les récompenses socio-économiques de la politique ont été réparties de manière inégale au sein de la population.

Compound adjective 'socio-economic' and adverb 'unevenly'.

He viewed the public's adulation as a hollow reward for his artistic compromises.

Il considérait l'adulation du public comme une récompense creuse pour ses compromis artistiques.

Metaphorical use of 'hollow' to describe a meaningless reward.

The intricate reward mechanisms of the brain are still not fully understood by neuroscientists.

Les mécanismes de récompense complexes du cerveau ne sont toujours pas entièrement compris par les neuroscientifiques.

Passive voice with 'still not fully understood'.

In the cutthroat world of finance, the rewards are high, but the personal costs can be devastating.

Dans le monde impitoyable de la finance, les récompenses sont élevées, mais les coûts personnels peuvent être dévastateurs.

Contrastive structure using 'but'.

The protagonist's journey concludes not with a physical reward, but with a spiritual awakening.

Le voyage du protagoniste ne se termine pas par une récompense physique, mais par un éveil spirituel.

Literary analysis structure.

The historical narrative often conflates financial gain with moral reward.

Le récit historique confond souvent le gain financier avec la récompense morale.

Academic verb 'conflates'.

Häufige Kollokationen

financial reward

reap the rewards

just reward

offer a reward

claim a reward

intrinsic reward

substantial reward

reward system

rich rewards

modest reward

Häufige Phrasen

as a reward for

in reward for

no reward without effort

risk and reward

collect rewards

tangible rewards

ultimate reward

small reward

loyalty rewards

seek a reward

Wird oft verwechselt mit

reward vs award

An award is a formal honor (like a trophy); a reward is a return for a service (like money for finding a cat).

reward vs prize

A prize is won in a contest or by luck; a reward is earned through a specific action.

reward vs incentive

An incentive is offered before an action to motivate; a reward is given after the action is completed.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Virtue is its own reward"

The satisfaction of doing something good is the only reward you need.

I don't need a thank-you note; virtue is its own reward.

literary/philosophical

"Reap the rewards"

To enjoy the good results of something you have worked hard for.

After years of training, she is finally reaping the rewards of her discipline.

neutral

"Just rewards"

A punishment or reward that is considered to be what someone deserves.

The criminal finally received his just rewards when he was caught.

formal/moral

"The carrot and the stick"

A system of offering a reward (carrot) and a punishment (stick) to influence behavior.

The manager used a carrot and stick approach to improve productivity.

idiomatic

"Eyes on the prize"

Staying focused on the final reward or goal despite difficulties.

Keep your eyes on the prize and don't let the small setbacks stop you.

informal

"Pay dividends"

To produce great rewards or advantages in the future (similar to financial rewards).

Learning a second language will pay dividends throughout your career.

business/metaphorical

"Golden handshake"

A large sum of money given to a senior executive as a reward for leaving a company.

The CEO received a golden handshake when he retired early.

business

"Pot of gold at the end of the rainbow"

An ultimate reward that is very difficult or impossible to reach.

He's chasing a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with that risky startup.

informal/metaphorical

"Spoils of war"

The rewards or goods taken by the winners of a conflict.

The soldiers divided the spoils of war among themselves.

historical/literary

"Honor among thieves"

The idea that even criminals have a code of conduct and share rewards fairly.

They split the money equally, proving there is honor among thieves.

informal

Leicht verwechselbar

reward vs Award

Both involve receiving something positive for an achievement.

Awards are usually public and competitive (e.g., first place). Rewards are usually private and transactional (e.g., a tip or a bounty).

He received an award for being the best student, and his parents gave him a reward of $20.

reward vs Prize

Both are desirable things given to someone.

A prize is often the result of a game or competition. A reward is the result of a specific helpful act or hard work.

The prize for the raffle was a car, but the reward for finding the car keys was a thank-you note.

reward vs Bonus

Both are extra benefits given for good work.

A bonus is almost always financial and related to employment. A reward can be anything and can happen in any context.

The sales team got a bonus, which was a great reward for their hard work.

reward vs Bounty

Both are money offered for a specific task.

Bounty is a very specific, formal term usually related to catching criminals or historical rewards. Reward is the general term.

The government placed a bounty on the pirate, offering a reward to anyone who captured him.

reward vs Tip

Both are money given for a service.

A tip is a small, standard gratuity for service (like in a restaurant). A reward is usually for a more significant or unusual service.

I left a tip for the waiter, but I gave a reward to the person who found my lost phone.

Satzmuster

I got a reward.

I got a reward for my homework.

There is a reward for [noun].

There is a reward for the lost bag.

[Action] is its own reward.

Helping people is its own reward.

Reap the rewards of [noun/gerund].

He is reaping the rewards of his patience.

The rewards outweigh the [noun].

The rewards outweigh the risks of the project.

[Adjective] reward for [noun].

A fitting reward for her years of dedication.

The [noun] of [noun] as a reward.

The promise of fame as a reward for his silence.

Conflating [noun] with [noun] reward.

Society often conflates financial success with moral reward.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Häufige Fehler

He won a reward for the race. → He won a prize for the race.
In a competition like a race, the thing you win is called a 'prize' or an 'award,' not a 'reward.'
The reward of finding the dog was $50. → The reward for finding the dog was $50.
Use 'for' to describe the action that earned the reward. 'Of' is used for the amount or type of reward.
She gave me a reward sticker. → She gave me a sticker as a reward.
While 'reward sticker' is sometimes used, 'as a reward' is much more natural and common in English.
I am reaping the reward of my work. → I am reaping the rewards of my work.
The idiom 'reap the rewards' is almost always used in the plural form.
He received a reward for his best acting. → He received an award for his best acting.
For professional excellence or artistic achievement, 'award' is the correct term.

Tipps

Preposition Check

Always use 'for' when mentioning the reason. 'A reward for honesty' is correct; 'A reward about honesty' is not.

Reward vs. Award

If there was a competition with a judge, use 'award.' If it was a simple exchange for help, use 'reward.'

Natural Phrasing

Use 'reap the rewards' when talking about long-term success to sound like a native speaker.

Formal Contexts

In business, use 'Total Rewards' to describe the whole package of pay and benefits.

Internal Rewards

Don't forget that a reward can be a feeling. 'The reward of peace of mind' is a very common expression.

Avoid 'Win'

Try not to say 'win a reward.' Use 'earn,' 'get,' or 'receive' instead.

Adjective Pairings

Common adjectives include: financial, tangible, intangible, substantial, and modest.

Loyalty Programs

When you see 'Rewards' on a website, it almost always refers to a points-based discount system.

The 'Re' in Reward

Think of 'REward' as a 'REturn' for your effort.

Just Rewards

Be careful with 'just rewards'; it can imply that someone deserved something bad.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'RE-doing' a 'WARD'. If you protect (ward) someone, they will RE-ward you with a gift.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a dog sitting perfectly still and a hand placing a golden bone (the reward) in front of it.

Word Web

Money Effort Recognition Trophy Incentive Work Achievement Gratitude

Herausforderung

Try to use the word 'reward' in three different ways today: once for a small treat you give yourself, once for a professional achievement, and once for a lost-and-found scenario.

Wortherkunft

The word 'reward' entered the English language in the 14th century. It comes from the Old North French word 'rewarder', which is a variant of the Old French 'reguarder'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally, it meant 'to regard' or 'to look at'. In a legal sense, it meant to look at a service and decide what it was worth.

Indo-European > Germanic (via Old French influence).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful not to confuse 'reward' with 'bribe'. A reward is for a good deed; a bribe is to make someone do something dishonest.

In the US, 'reward' is heavily used in marketing (loyalty programs). In the UK, it is often used in formal education (merit points).

The Nobel Prize (the world's most famous academic reward). The phrase 'Virtue is its own reward' from Stoic philosophy. Star Wars: Han Solo initially helps Luke Skywalker only for the 'reward'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Workplace

Performance reward
Year-end bonus
Employee recognition
Total rewards package

Education

Sticker reward
Merit points
Academic achievement
Classroom incentive

Lost and Found

Offer a reward
No questions asked
Claim the reward
Reward for return

Gaming/Apps

Daily reward
Unlock rewards
Reward points
Loot reward

Personal Motivation

Self-reward
Treat yourself
Internal satisfaction
Reap the rewards

Gesprächseinstiege

"What is the best reward you have ever received for your hard work?"

"Do you think children should be given rewards for doing their chores?"

"In your opinion, is the feeling of success a better reward than money?"

"Have you ever offered a reward for something you lost?"

"How does your company reward employees who do a great job?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a time you worked very hard for a reward. Was the reward worth the effort?

Describe your ideal 'reward' after a long and stressful week. What would you do or buy?

Discuss the phrase 'Virtue is its own reward.' Do you agree with it in today's world?

If you were a manager, how would you design a reward system to keep your team happy?

Reflect on the 'rewards' of learning a new language. Which one is most important to you?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is both! As a noun, it is the thing you get ('He received a reward'). As a verb, it is the action of giving the thing ('The teacher rewarded the student'). Both are very common.

Usually, no. A reward is positive. However, in literature or sarcastic speech, people sometimes say 'just rewards' to mean someone got a fitting punishment. For example, 'The thief got his just rewards when he was caught.' But in 99% of cases, it is a good thing.

Use 'reward for' to explain the action ('reward for finding the dog'). Use 'reward of' to explain what the reward is ('reward of $100').

Yes! 'Rewarding' describes an activity that makes you feel good or satisfied. For example, 'Teaching is a very rewarding job.' It means the job gives you many internal rewards.

Intrinsic rewards come from inside you, like the feeling of pride. Extrinsic rewards come from outside, like money, trophies, or stickers.

This is an idiom that means to get the benefits of something you worked on for a long time. 'After years of saving money, they are finally reaping the rewards of their discipline.'

It is better to say 'I received a reward' or 'I earned a reward.' You 'win' a prize or an award, but you 'receive' or 'earn' a reward for a specific act.

Yes, it is. You can say 'a reward,' 'two rewards,' or 'many rewards.' In some abstract contexts, it can be uncountable, but the plural is much more common.

A reward system is a planned way of giving rewards to encourage good behavior, like a points system in a school or a loyalty program in a shop.

The most common opposite is 'punishment.' Other opposites include 'penalty,' 'fine,' or 'consequence' (if the consequence is negative).