A reward is a positive acknowledgment given for accomplishment, effort, or good behavior.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Something given for achievement or merit.
- Motivates good behavior and effort.
- Can be tangible, monetary, or praise.
**Overview**
The word 'reward' signifies something positive given to acknowledge an effort, accomplishment, or good behavior. It serves as a motivator, encouraging individuals or groups to repeat desired actions or strive for excellence. Rewards can range from simple verbal praise to substantial financial bonuses or physical gifts.
**Usage Patterns**
As a noun, 'reward' is often used in contexts of work, education, and personal development. It can be used to describe the outcome of completing a task, winning a competition, or behaving well. The plural form, 'rewards', is common when referring to multiple benefits or prizes. As a verb, 'to reward' means to give such a prize or recognition.
**Common Contexts**
You'll frequently encounter 'reward' in discussions about employee incentives, academic achievements (like scholarships or prizes), and even in training animals. It's also used in contexts like 'finding a reward' for lost items or in the legal system, where 'reward' might be offered for information. The concept of a 'reward system' is prevalent in management and psychology.
**Similar Words Comparison**:
- Prize: Often implies winning a competition or a lottery. It's usually a specific item or sum of money awarded for being the best.
- Bonus: Typically an extra payment given to an employee, often for good performance, beyond their regular salary.
- Recognition: A broader term that can include praise, awards, or simply acknowledgment of someone's efforts or value, not necessarily material.
- Benefit: A general term for an advantage or profit gained from something, which can include rewards but is not limited to them.
Examples
The little boy was given a sticker as a reward for cleaning his room.
everydayEl niño pequeño recibió una pegatina como recompensa por ordenar su habitación.
Successful completion of the project will result in a substantial bonus as a reward for the team's hard work.
formalLa finalización exitosa del proyecto resultará en un bono sustancial como recompensa por el arduo trabajo del equipo.
Finding my lost keys felt like a reward in itself after searching for an hour.
informalEncontrar mis llaves perdidas se sintió como una recompensa en sí misma después de buscar durante una hora.
The research paper proposed a novel reward mechanism to incentivize sustainable agricultural practices.
academicEl artículo de investigación propuso un novedoso mecanismo de recompensa para incentivar las prácticas agrícolas sostenibles.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
no reward
ninguna recompensa
rich reward
rica recompensa
just reward
justa recompensa
Often Confused With
Punishment is the opposite of a reward; it's a penalty or suffering imposed for wrongdoing. While reward acknowledges positive actions, punishment addresses negative ones.
An incentive is something that encourages or motivates a person to do something. A reward is often the outcome or consequence of an incentive, given after the desired action is taken.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'reward' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When referring to monetary compensation for work, terms like 'bonus' or 'incentive' might be more specific. 'Reward' often carries a connotation of acknowledgment beyond mere payment.
Common Mistakes
Avoid using 'reward' when you mean 'punishment' or 'penalty', as they are antonyms. Also, ensure the context clearly indicates that something positive is being given for an achievement or good deed.
Tips
Acknowledge Effort and Achievement
Use 'reward' to recognize when someone has done a great job or achieved a significant goal. This reinforces positive actions.
Avoid Unintended Consequences
Be mindful that rewards can sometimes discourage intrinsic motivation if not implemented thoughtfully. Ensure rewards align with desired outcomes.
Varying Cultural Values
The types of rewards that are most valued can differ across cultures. What might be a significant reward in one culture could be less so in another.
Word Origin
The word 'reward' comes from the Old French 'rewarder', meaning 'to give or grant a reward'. It is derived from the Latin 'redditus', meaning 'given back', relating to the idea of returning a benefit for a service.
Cultural Context
In many cultures, giving rewards is a common way to acknowledge achievement, from childhood milestones to professional success. The specific types of rewards valued can vary, reflecting cultural priorities like material wealth, social status, or communal benefit.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'ward' (like a hospital ward) where patients are cared for. A 're-ward' implies being looked after or given something good again, like a prize for getting better or behaving well.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsA prize is usually won in a competition or game, often implying being the best or luckiest. A reward is given for achievement, effort, or good behavior, and doesn't necessarily involve competition.
Yes, rewards can also be intangible. This includes praise, recognition, a promotion, or even increased responsibility, which acknowledges someone's value and performance.
Generally, yes. The core meaning of 'reward' is positive acknowledgment. However, the effectiveness or fairness of a reward can be debated in certain contexts.
A reward system is a structured approach, often used in workplaces or educational settings, designed to motivate individuals by offering specific rewards for achieving predetermined goals or exhibiting desired behaviors.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
The company offered a generous ___ to the employee who exceeded their sales target.
The sentence implies something positive given for exceeding a target, which is the definition of a reward.
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
Completing the marathon was a difficult ___ , but the feeling of accomplishment was its own reward.
While 'task', 'journey', and 'struggle' could fit, 'achievement' best captures the sense of accomplishment being discussed, especially when paired with 'reward'.
Arrange the words to form a grammatically correct sentence.
receive / a / for / should / good / you / work / reward
This sentence correctly uses 'reward' as a noun and follows standard English grammar structure.
🎉 Score: /3
Summary
A reward is a positive acknowledgment given for accomplishment, effort, or good behavior.
- Something given for achievement or merit.
- Motivates good behavior and effort.
- Can be tangible, monetary, or praise.
Acknowledge Effort and Achievement
Use 'reward' to recognize when someone has done a great job or achieved a significant goal. This reinforces positive actions.
Avoid Unintended Consequences
Be mindful that rewards can sometimes discourage intrinsic motivation if not implemented thoughtfully. Ensure rewards align with desired outcomes.
Varying Cultural Values
The types of rewards that are most valued can differ across cultures. What might be a significant reward in one culture could be less so in another.
Examples
4 of 4The little boy was given a sticker as a reward for cleaning his room.
El niño pequeño recibió una pegatina como recompensa por ordenar su habitación.
Successful completion of the project will result in a substantial bonus as a reward for the team's hard work.
La finalización exitosa del proyecto resultará en un bono sustancial como recompensa por el arduo trabajo del equipo.
Finding my lost keys felt like a reward in itself after searching for an hour.
Encontrar mis llaves perdidas se sintió como una recompensa en sí misma después de buscar durante una hora.
The research paper proposed a novel reward mechanism to incentivize sustainable agricultural practices.
El artículo de investigación propuso un novedoso mecanismo de recompensa para incentivar las prácticas agrícolas sostenibles.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
A prize is an award or reward given to a person or team for...
awardA formal prize or mark of recognition given in honor of an a...
achievementA thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or...
incentiveDescribes something that encourages or motivates a person to...
recognitionThe act of identifying someone or something from previous kn...
bonusA bonus is an extra amount of money, credit, or benefit adde...
