Explanation at your level:
A reward is a prize. If you do good work, you get a reward. It makes you happy. You can get a reward for school or for helping a friend. It is like a gift for being good.
A reward is something you get because you did a good job. For example, if you study hard, you get a good grade. The grade is your reward. Parents often give children a reward for cleaning their room.
A reward is a benefit you receive for your effort or achievement. It can be money, a prize, or just kind words. People often work harder when they know there is a reward waiting for them at the end of the project.
The term reward implies a formal or informal recognition of merit. It acts as a motivator in various contexts, such as employment, where a bonus serves as a financial reward for high performance. It is distinct from a 'bribe' because it is given after the task is completed, not before.
In advanced contexts, a reward can be abstract. We often speak of the 'rewards of a long career' or the 'intrinsic rewards' of volunteer work, referring to personal satisfaction rather than material gain. It signifies a reciprocal relationship between effort and outcome, often used in psychological or sociological discussions about motivation.
Etymologically rooted in the concept of 'regard,' the word reward carries nuanced implications of social validation. In literature, it is often used to symbolize justice or the culmination of a character's moral journey. Whether it is a tangible bounty or an intangible psychological benefit, the word encapsulates the human desire for acknowledgement and the fulfillment of expectation.
واژه در 30 ثانیه
- A reward is a prize for effort.
- It can be money or praise.
- It is always a positive thing.
- It is a countable noun.
Think of a reward as a 'thank you' in physical or emotional form. It is the positive outcome that follows an action, designed to make us feel good about what we accomplished.
Whether it is a trophy for winning a race or a simple word of praise from a boss, rewards act as powerful motivators. They tell us that our efforts were noticed and valued by others.
In daily life, we often use rewards to encourage ourselves or others. If you finish your chores, you might treat yourself to a snack—that is a personal reward! It is all about the link between hard work and a happy result.
The word reward has a fascinating journey through time. It traces back to the Old North French word reguarder, which meant 'to look at' or 'to regard'.
Originally, it was related to the idea of 'looking back' at someone's actions. Over time, the meaning shifted from just 'looking at' to 'looking at with favor' or 'giving something in return for what was seen'.
It shares a root with the word regard. While 'regard' kept the meaning of looking at something with attention, 'reward' evolved to specifically mean the benefit given for that attention or service. It entered Middle English around the 14th century, solidifying its place as a term for a prize or payment.
You will hear reward used in many settings, from schools to corporate boardrooms. It is a very versatile noun that fits almost any register.
Commonly, we talk about earning a reward or receiving one. You might also hear people say a task is its own reward, meaning the satisfaction of doing the work is enough.
In professional settings, it is often paired with words like financial or performance-based. In casual settings, it might just be a treat or a prize. Always remember that a reward is almost always positive, whereas a 'punishment' is the opposite.
1. Virtue is its own reward: Doing the right thing is satisfying enough without needing a prize.
2. A reward for your troubles: Usually said sarcastically when someone gets a bad result after trying hard.
3. Reap the rewards: To finally enjoy the benefits of your hard work after a long time.
4. The reward of the faithful: A literary way to describe the outcome of someone who has been loyal.
5. A rich reward: Used to describe a very generous or significant prize.
The word reward is a regular noun. Its plural form is simply rewards. It is a countable noun, so you can have 'a reward' or 'many rewards'.
Pronunciation varies slightly. In British English, it is /rɪˈwɔːd/, while in American English, the 'r' at the end is more pronounced: /rɪˈwɔːrd/. The stress is always on the second syllable: re-WARD.
It rhymes with words like award, forward (in some dialects), and board. When using it as a verb, the pattern is usually to reward someone with something (e.g., 'They rewarded him with a medal').
Fun Fact
It comes from the same root as 'regard'.
Examples by Level
The dog got a reward.
dog = pet, reward = prize
Simple subject-verb-object.
I want a reward.
want = desire
Basic modal verb.
Good job, here is your reward.
Good job = well done
Direct address.
She likes a reward.
likes = enjoys
Third person singular.
Is this my reward?
Is this = question
Interrogative.
He gave me a reward.
gave = past of give
Past tense.
We love rewards.
love = enjoy much
Plural noun.
The reward is big.
big = large
Adjective usage.
She earned a reward for her hard work.
The teacher gave us a reward for finishing early.
He is looking for a reward.
I don't need a reward, just your thanks.
The reward was a box of chocolates.
Did you get your reward today?
They promised a reward for the winner.
Hard work brings a great reward.
The company offered a reward for the best idea.
Patience is a virtue with its own reward.
He felt the reward was not enough for the effort.
She received a reward for her years of service.
The police offered a reward for information.
We are reaping the rewards of our investment.
It is a small reward for a big job.
He considers his success a reward for his persistence.
The emotional reward of helping others is immense.
They established a system of rewards and punishments.
The project's success was a fitting reward for the team.
He sought a financial reward for his invention.
The reward for his bravery was a medal of honor.
Sometimes the experience itself is the ultimate reward.
She was motivated by the prospect of a reward.
The reward far exceeded his expectations.
The intrinsic rewards of the profession attract many.
He was denied the reward he rightfully earned.
The policy creates a distorted incentive and reward structure.
The reward for such dedication is rarely immediate.
They debated the ethics of performance-based rewards.
The reward of a clear conscience is invaluable.
Her research brought the reward of international recognition.
The system is designed to reward efficiency.
The philosophical inquiry into the nature of reward is complex.
He viewed his life's struggles as a reward of experience.
The reward of the righteous is often spoken of in texts.
The institutionalization of reward systems can be problematic.
She found the reward of solitude to be quite profound.
The reward was commensurate with the level of risk.
His legacy is the greatest reward he could hope for.
The subtle rewards of diplomacy are often overlooked.
ترکیبهای رایج
Idioms & Expressions
"reap the rewards"
To get the benefit of your actions
After years of study, he is reaping the rewards.
neutral"virtue is its own reward"
Doing good is satisfying enough
Don't expect money; virtue is its own reward.
formal"a reward for your troubles"
A sarcastic way to describe a bad outcome
I cleaned the house and got a fine as a reward for my troubles.
casual"the reward of the faithful"
The benefit for being loyal
He finally got the reward of the faithful.
literary"a rich reward"
A very good prize
His hard work brought a rich reward.
neutral"in reward for"
As payment for
He gave me a gift in reward for my help.
formalEasily Confused
both are prizes
award is official
He got an award for his film.
both are items given
bribe is illegal
He offered a bribe to the guard.
both are nice
gift is for affection
A birthday gift for you.
both are extra
bonus is money
A performance bonus.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + verb + reward + for + noun
He got a reward for his help.
Subject + verb + someone + with + a + reward
They rewarded him with a medal.
The + reward + of + noun
The reward of patience is peace.
Subject + find + reward + in + gerund
I find reward in helping.
Subject + offer + a + reward
They offered a reward.
خانواده کلمه
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
اشتباهات رایج
Awards are usually formal, rewards are general.
Reward is always positive.
Reward is a noun; rewarding is the adjective.
It is a countable noun.
A bribe is for illegal actions.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a gold star on your door.
Native Speakers
Use it to acknowledge effort.
Cultural Insight
Rewards are big in US schools.
Grammar Shortcut
Use 'a' before it.
Say It Right
Stress the second part.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it as an adjective.
Did You Know?
It means 'look again'.
Study Smart
Use it in your journal.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
RE-WARD: RE (again) WARD (watch). Watch again to see who deserves the prize.
Visual Association
A gold medal.
Word Web
چالش
Use the word in a sentence today.
ریشه کلمه
Old North French
Original meaning: to look at
بافت فرهنگی
None, generally positive.
Commonly used in parenting and business.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- performance reward
- bonus payment
- employee of the month
at school
- gold star
- good grade
- praise
in sports
- trophy
- medal
- first place
in daily life
- treat yourself
- small gift
- well done
Conversation Starters
"What is the best reward you ever received?"
"Do you think rewards motivate people?"
"Is praise a better reward than money?"
"What reward would you like for your hard work?"
"Do you reward yourself often?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you earned a reward.
Is it better to reward yourself or wait for others?
Describe a reward you would like to have.
Why is it important to reward good behavior?
سوالات متداول
8 سوالYes, it can be a verb too.
Rewards.
Yes, a cash reward.
Yes, always.
re-WARD.
It is neutral.
Usually you earn it.
Award is official.
خودت رو بسنج
The dog got a ___ for being good.
Reward is the prize for good behavior.
Which means a prize for work?
Reward is a positive outcome.
A reward is always a bad thing.
Rewards are positive.
Word
معنی
Matching opposites.
He earned the reward.
امتیاز: /5
Summary
A reward is the positive result you get for doing something well.
- A reward is a prize for effort.
- It can be money or praise.
- It is always a positive thing.
- It is a countable noun.
Memory Palace
Imagine a gold star on your door.
Native Speakers
Use it to acknowledge effort.
Cultural Insight
Rewards are big in US schools.
Grammar Shortcut
Use 'a' before it.
Related Content
Pronunciation Guide
The 'r' at the end is silent.
The 'r' at the end is clear.
Common Errors
- pronouncing the 'w' too strongly
- stressing the first syllable
- forgetting the 'd' at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
moderate
moderate
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
پیشرفته
Grammar to Know
Countable nouns
a reward
Verb patterns
reward with
Articles
the reward
