award
noun (countable)
UK/əˈwɔːd/US/əˈwɔrd/
a prize or recognition given to someone for an achievement
Example Sentences
She received an award for her exceptional performance in the competition.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of multiple awards to the top scorers.
Our team hopes to win an award in the upcoming technology fair.
The new employee earned an award for outstanding service within her first year.
His mantelpiece was filled with awards from various science contests.
Receiving the lifetime achievement award, the famous author delivered a heartfelt speech that encompassed her entire literary journey, moving many in the audience to tears.
The annual award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to their community, ensuring their efforts do not go unnoticed and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
This year’s award for excellence in design went to a small firm that emphasized sustainability in every aspect of its work.
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verb (transitive)
UK/əˈwɔːd/US/əˈwɔrd/
to give or grant something, such as a prize or decision, to someone
Example Sentences
The committee decided to award the scholarship to the student with the highest grades.
The judge will award damages to the plaintiff if the defendant is found guilty.
They often award special bonuses to employees who exceed their performance targets.
The council is set to award new contracts for waste management.
We are pleased to award our loyal customers with VIP privileges.
The government may award grants to startups focusing on innovative medical research, fostering growth in the local biotech sector.
It's crucial to thoroughly review each proposal before you award the project, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the entire process.
I will formally award you the title of team leader at tomorrow’s meeting, recognizing your outstanding leadership skills and unwavering dedication.
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How to Use
To bestow a prize, honor, or ruling, typically acknowledging achievement or settling a legal matter.“Award” can function as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, you might say, “The committee will award scholarships to deserving students,” highlighting the act of bestowing. As a noun, it points to the prize or honor itself—“She received the top award for her performance.” In legal or arbitration contexts, an “award” can be a binding decision or sum granted to a party—for instance, “The court’s award for damages amounted to $50,000.” Beyond formal ceremonies and rulings, “award” underscores officially recognized achievements, often after a review process or competition.
Alternatives
Depending on context, you might replace “award” with “prize,” “honor,” or “accolade” when focusing on distinctions or commendations. “Grant” might apply if money or resources are given, especially in educational or research settings. “Decision” or “ruling” suits legal contexts, especially when referencing arbitrators or judges. However, “award” remains the most general term for formal conferral or acknowledgment of success, achievement, or rightful compensation.
Writing
When referencing “award” in formal or academic texts, specify whether it’s referencing competitive achievements (like a literary award) or legal decisions (like an arbitration award). In journalism or business writing, details such as who confers the award and the selection criteria help clarify importance—e.g., “The prestigious committee awards these grants annually based on scientific merit.” If the context is legal, mention which authority issues the award and the reasoning behind it—“The arbitration panel’s award resolved the contract dispute.” When discussing awards that spotlight personal accomplishments, offering background about the awarding body (like the Oscars, a Nobel committee, or a local association) provides readers with context. Summarize the basis for the award—such as innovation, outstanding service, or artistic excellence—so readers see the link between the achievement and the recognition conferred.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, people might say, “I won an award at work for best customer service!” or “They’re awarding medals at the finish line.” If your friend got recognized at a film festival or a sports event, you might ask, “What award did you get?” Sometimes, children talk about “award ceremonies” at school for perfect attendance or academic achievement. It can also pop up in smaller-scale contexts—like awarding “employee of the month” or “best costume” at a party. Even outside big ceremonies, “award” can mean handing out small tokens of appreciation, though it typically indicates an element of formality and recognition. You might joke among friends about awarding titles for silly achievements: “We should award him ‘Most Likely to Leave Early’ in our group.” Such playful usage underscores that “award” is about acknowledging or celebrating some aspect—be it a major professional milestone or a humorous trait in casual gatherings.
Etymology
“Award” arose from Middle English “awarden,” itself rooted in Anglo-French “awarder,” meaning “to decide or judge.” Historically tied to legal judgments, it extended to the notion of bestowing something—initially settling disputes or damages. Over centuries, the concept broadened beyond legal settings to encompass presenting honors, prizes, or distinctions across many spheres—academic, artistic, professional. Modern usage retains that original sense of an official or formal decision, whether it’s a legal ruling for compensation or a trophy for outstanding performance.