award
An award is a prize or honor given to someone for doing something well.
Explanation at your level:
An award is a prize. If you win a race, you get an award. It is a nice thing to have for being good at something.
You get an award when you do something special. It can be a trophy, a medal, or money. People give awards to show they are happy with your work.
An award is a formal prize given for an achievement. You might win an award at school or work. In law, it also means money given by a judge.
The term award denotes a formal mark of recognition. It is often used in the context of ceremonies, such as the Academy Awards. It implies a competitive process where the best performance is selected.
Beyond the common concept of a prize, award carries weight in legal and institutional frameworks. It signifies an authoritative decision, such as an arbitration award, which is legally binding. It represents the culmination of a rigorous evaluation process.
Etymologically, award reflects the transition from the act of judicial determination to the physical manifestation of that judgment. In literary and high-level discourse, it can symbolize the societal validation of merit. Its usage spans from the trivial, such as a participation award, to the profound, such as a Nobel Prize.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Award is a formal prize.
- It also means a legal decision.
- Use 'an' before it.
- It implies recognition of merit.
Think of an award as a high-five from society! Whether it is a gold medal at the Olympics or a trophy for the spelling bee, it is a tangible way to say, 'You did a great job.' It validates hard work and excellence.
Beyond just trophies, the word has a legal side. If a judge decides you deserve money after a lawsuit, that payment is also called an award. It is a formal decision that settles a matter, making it a very powerful word in both casual and professional settings.
The word award has a fascinating history. It comes from the Anglo-French word awarder, which meant to 'pass judgment' or 'adjudge.' It is rooted in the Old French eswarder, meaning to look at or examine.
Originally, it was not just about giving a prize; it was about the process of deciding. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from the act of judging to the actual object or money given as a result of that judgment. It is a beautiful example of how words evolve from actions into the things we hold in our hands today.
You will hear award used in many contexts. We often use it with verbs like win, receive, or present. For example, 'She received an award for her bravery' is a classic way to use it.
In a business or legal sense, you might hear 'The court made an award of damages.' This is much more formal than saying someone won a prize. Always consider your audience; if you are talking to friends, stick to 'prize,' but in professional settings, 'award' is the gold standard.
- Award-winning: Used to describe something of high quality. 'This is an award-winning pie!'
- In recognition of: Often used when presenting an award. 'This is in recognition of your service.'
- To be up for an award: To be a candidate. 'She is up for an award this year.'
- An award of costs: A legal term where one party must pay the other's legal fees.
- To sweep the awards: To win almost every prize available at a ceremony.
The noun award is countable. You can have one award or many awards. It is commonly used with the indefinite article 'an' (an award) because it starts with a vowel sound.
Pronunciation: In British English, it is /əˈwɔːd/, and in American English, it is /əˈwɔrd/. The stress is always on the second syllable. Rhyming words include board, sword, hoard, cord, and stored.
Fun Fact
It evolved from a legal process of judging to a prize.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'a-word' with a long 'o' sound.
Sounds like 'a-word' with a clear 'r' at the end.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'w' too strongly
- Missing the second syllable stress
- Confusing 'o' sounds
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
moderate
moderate
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Indefinite Articles
An award
Countable Nouns
One award, two awards
Passive Voice
The award was given.
Examples by Level
She won an award.
She / won / a / prize.
Past tense of win.
It is a nice award.
It / is / a / good / prize.
Simple present.
I want an award.
I / desire / a / prize.
Desire.
Look at the award!
See / the / prize!
Exclamation.
He has one award.
He / owns / one / prize.
Possession.
The award is gold.
The / prize / is / made / of / gold.
Adjective.
They like the award.
They / enjoy / the / prize.
Verb.
This is my award.
This / is / my / prize.
Possessive.
The school gave her an award.
He received a big award.
The award is for hard work.
She put the award on the shelf.
We saw the award ceremony.
He is proud of his award.
They won a top award.
The award is very shiny.
She accepted the award with a smile.
The film won an award for best director.
The court made an award of damages.
He has a collection of awards.
The award was presented by the mayor.
They were nominated for an award.
The award recognizes his contribution.
It is a prestigious award.
The committee decided to grant an award to the volunteer.
He was honored with a lifetime achievement award.
The legal award was substantial.
She is a multi-award-winning author.
The ceremony was held to present the annual awards.
The award ceremony was broadcast live.
He felt unworthy of the award.
They disputed the court's award.
The arbitration award was finalized after months of negotiation.
She was bestowed with the highest award in her field.
The panel reached a unanimous decision on the award.
His work is worthy of such a prestigious award.
The award serves as a testament to his dedication.
The legal system allows for an award of costs.
She was excluded from the award shortlist.
The award carries a significant cash prize.
The arbitral award was challenged on procedural grounds.
He was the recipient of a posthumous award.
The award represents the pinnacle of artistic achievement.
The court's award was seen as a landmark ruling.
She received the award in recognition of her lifelong efforts.
The award ceremony was a glitzy, star-studded affair.
He was humbled by the receipt of the award.
The award is a symbol of institutional prestige.
Synonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Up for an award"
Being considered for a prize.
Is your movie up for an award?
casual"Sweep the awards"
Winning many prizes.
They swept the awards this year.
neutral"Award-winning"
Having won an award.
She is an award-winning chef.
neutral"In recognition of"
Honoring someone.
This is in recognition of your work.
formal"A pat on the back"
Informal praise.
He deserves a pat on the back.
casual"Take home the prize"
To win.
She took home the prize.
neutralEasily Confused
Both involve getting something.
Award is formal/prize; Reward is for effort.
He got an award for the race; a reward for finding the dog.
Both are things you win.
Prize is more general; Award is formal.
He won a prize in the raffle; he received an award for service.
Both involve giving.
Grant is money for a purpose.
He got a research grant.
Both are legal.
Fine is a punishment.
He paid a fine for speeding.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + receive + an award
She received an award.
Subject + win + an award
He won an award.
Subject + present + an award + to + someone
They presented the award to him.
Subject + be + nominated + for + an award
She was nominated for an award.
Subject + grant + an award
The court granted an award.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8/10
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Award is a specific formal verb.
Awards are formal; rewards are often personal.
Starts with a vowel sound.
Award implies a prize, not regular pay.
It is a countable noun.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant gold 'A' on a trophy.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it to show respect for an achievement.
Cultural Insight
Awards shows are a big part of US TV culture.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: An award.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'or' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'a award'.
Did You Know?
The Oscars are officially called 'Academy Awards'.
Study Smart
Read news about award ceremonies.
Expand
Learn 'accolade' for a higher level.
Writing Tip
Use 'prestigious' before award.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
A-WARD: A-Winner-Always-Receives-Decorations.
Visual Association
A shiny gold trophy sitting on a velvet pillow.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down three things you would like to win an award for.
Word Origin
Anglo-French
Original meaning: To pass judgment.
Cultural Context
None, generally positive.
Awards are a huge part of culture, from the Oscars to school certificates.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at school
- award ceremony
- academic award
- student of the year
at work
- employee of the month
- performance award
- bonus award
in court
- damages award
- arbitration award
- legal costs
in sports
- gold medal
- trophy
- championship award
Conversation Starters
"What is the best award you have ever received?"
"Do you think awards shows are important?"
"Have you ever been nominated for anything?"
"What kind of award would you like to win?"
"Do you think money is a good award?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you felt proud of an achievement.
Describe your dream award.
Why do people like receiving awards?
If you were a judge, what would you give an award for?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it can be a title or money.
Yes, 'The judge awarded him money.'
Award is formal recognition; reward is a return for effort.
Yes, 'awards'.
Use 'an' because it starts with a vowel sound.
Usually positive, but legal awards can be penalties.
No, they can be given to groups or films.
Yes, very common in news and daily life.
Test Yourself
She won a gold ___.
Award is the prize.
What is an award?
It is a prize.
An award is always money.
It can be a trophy or medal too.
Word
Meaning
Matching synonyms.
Subject-Verb-Object.
The court made an ___ of damages.
Legal term.
Which is a synonym for award?
Accolade is a formal prize.
You can 'award' a person a prize.
Correct verb usage.
The ___ award was final.
Legal context.
What does 'award' mean historically?
Rooted in judgment.
Score: /10
Summary
An award is a formal way to recognize excellence or settle a legal matter.
- Award is a formal prize.
- It also means a legal decision.
- Use 'an' before it.
- It implies recognition of merit.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a giant gold 'A' on a trophy.
When Native Speakers Use It
Use it to show respect for an achievement.
Cultural Insight
Awards shows are a big part of US TV culture.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: An award.
Example
She won an award for the most creative garden in the local community competition.
Related Content
See it in Videos
Harry Vs. Quirrell | Philosopher's Stone
"She won an award for the most creative garden in the local community competition."
The Menopause Monologue | Fleabag | Prime Video
"She won an award for the most creative garden in the local community competition."
The Late Late Lifetime Achievement Award
"She won an award for the most creative garden in the local community competition."
This Word in Other Languages
More Social words
abanthropate
C1Describes a state of being removed from, or having lost, the essential qualities and characteristics of humanity. It is often used in philosophical or literary contexts to describe a person or entity that has transcended or been alienated from the human condition.
abhospence
C1A rare or formal term describing the state or act of lacking hospitality, or the deliberate withdrawal of a welcoming attitude towards guests or outsiders. It refers to a cold, inhospitable atmosphere or a specific instance where a host fails to provide expected comforts or kindness.
abjudtude
C1The state or quality of being formally rejected, cast off, or disowned through an authoritative or judicial decision. It refers to a condition of absolute renunciation where a person or entity is stripped of their previous status or rights.
abphobship
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abstinence
B2Abstinence is the practice of voluntarily refraining from satisfying an appetite or craving, most commonly for alcohol, food, or sexual activity. It often implies a conscious, self-imposed choice to avoid certain behaviors for health, religious, or moral reasons.
abtactship
C1The state or quality of being detached from physical contact or tangible interaction, often used in theoretical or philosophical contexts to describe non-tactile relationships. It refers to a condition where one is removed from the immediate physical presence of an object or person.
abtrudship
C1To forcefully impose one's leadership, authority, or specific set of rules onto a group without their consent or prior consultation. It describes the act of thrusting a structured way of doing things upon others in a dominant or intrusive manner.
abvictious
C1To strategically yield or concede a minor position or advantage in order to ensure a greater ultimate victory. It describes a sophisticated form of success achieved through intentional, calculated loss or withdrawal.
abvolism
C1The philosophical or psychological practice of intentionally distancing oneself from established social norms, family structures, or institutional obligations to achieve total individual autonomy. It characterizes a state of detachment where an individual 'flies away' from conventional expectations to live according to purely personal principles.
acceptance
B2Acceptance is the act of agreeing to an offer, plan, or invitation, or the process of being received into a group or society. It also refers to the willingness to tolerate a difficult situation or the state of being approved by others.