ENGLISH
REFERENCE

award

n. countable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //əˈwɔɹd// UK //ɐwˈɔːd// award General-service

n. a prize or a sum of money you receive for doing something very well. It is a formal way to show that someone's work or talent is special.

n. a prize, mark of recognition, or sum of money bestowed in honour of an achievement. In a legal context, it refers to a formal decision or payment granted by a court or arbitrator.


SIMPLE

She won an award for the best short story.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee presented the lifetime achievement award to the scientist during the gala dinner.

COMPLEX

The jury's substantial award of damages reflected the severity of the contract breach and the financial losses the plaintiff suffered.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English awarden, from Anglo-Norman awarder, from Medieval Latin *exwardare, from Latin ex (“out”) + Medieval Latin wardare, guardare (“to observe, regard, guard”); see ward, guard, regard.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'win', 'receive', 'present', or 'grant'.

Pitfall

He won a reward for his actingHe won an award for his actingAn 'award' is a formal prize for merit; a 'reward' is usually money given for helping someone or returning a lost item.

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