Award Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 5, 2024
An award is a prize or recognition given for achievement, excellence, or merit. e.g., She received an award for her groundbreaking research in biology.
Table of Contents
Award Definitions
Military: Military awards are decorations given for bravery, service, or achievement within armed forces.
After the mission, the soldier was decorated with a prestigious military award.
Academic: An academic award is given for outstanding performance in education.
He won an award for being the top student in mathematics.
Sports: In sports, an award is given for exceptional skill, sportsmanship, or achievements.
The athlete was honored with an award for setting a new world record.
Business: In the business world, an award can signify excellence in innovation, leadership, or corporate responsibility.
The company received an award for its sustainable practices.
Community Service: Community service awards honor individuals or groups for volunteer work or philanthropy.
The local charity was recognized with an award for its community support.
Education: Educational awards recognize schools, teachers, or educational programs for excellence or innovation.
The innovative teaching program was honored with a national education award.
Arts and Entertainment: Awards in arts and entertainment recognize excellence in music, film, literature, and visual arts.
The film received several awards, including Best Picture.
Literature: Literature awards celebrate authors for their contributions to fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or drama.
The novelist received a prestigious literary award for her latest book.
Environmental: Environmental awards are given to individuals, organizations, or projects that significantly benefit the environment.
The city was awarded for its efforts in promoting green spaces.
To grant as merited or due
Awarded prizes to the winners.
To grant an amount or other benefit legally due
Awarded damages to the plaintiff.
Something awarded or granted, as for merit.
An amount or other benefit granted as legally due.
(legal) A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
(legal) The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
A trophy or medal; something that denotes an accomplishment, especially in a competition. A prize or honor based on merit.
A negotiated minimum wage that is set for a particular trade or industry; an industrial award.
(intransitive) To determine; to make or grant an award.
(transitive) To give (an award).
Four or five of these medals are awarded every year.
(transitive) To give (a person) an award.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case.
The arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case; to adjudge; as, the arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant.
To reviewThe wrongful sentence, and award a new.
To determine; to make an award.
A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
An award had been given against.
The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
A grant made by a law court;
He criticized the awarding of compensation by the court
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
Something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery;
The prize was a free trip to Europe
Give, especially as a reward;
Bestow honors and prizes at graduation
Give on the basis of merit;
Funds are granted to qualified researchers
Bestow an honor upon
Science and Technology: Awards in science and technology acknowledge groundbreaking discoveries or innovations.
She was given an award for her contributions to renewable energy technology.
Award Snonyms
Trophy
A cup or other decorative object awarded as a prize for a victory or success.
The team proudly displayed the trophy in their school's trophy case.
Accolade
An award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.
The novelist received accolades from both critics and fans.
Honor
High respect; esteem or a gesture of respect or recognition.
He received an honor for his years of service to the community.
Distinction
A category of excellence or an honor awarded to someone, such as a degree or medal.
He graduated with the highest distinction from his university.
Plaque
A decorative plate or slab, typically awarded as a sign of achievement.
The plaque on the wall commemorated the founder of the institution.
Recognition
Acknowledgment or special attention given to someone for their achievements.
The ceremony was held in recognition of the volunteers' hard work.
Decoration
An award given as an honor for military or civil merit.
The soldier was given a decoration for bravery.
Prize
Something given as a reward for victory or superiority in a contest or competition.
She won the prize for best in show at the art fair.
Medal
A metal disc typically awarded as a prize for a particular achievement.
The athlete added another gold medal to her collection.
Commendation
Praise or approval, typically awarded formally as a certificate or statement.
She received a commendation for her outstanding work on the project.
Award Idioms & Phrases
Award ceremony
An event where prizes or honors are given out.
The annual award ceremony celebrated the best in film and television.
Win an award
To receive a prize or recognition for achievement.
She won an award for her groundbreaking research in renewable energy.
Nominate for an award
To propose someone as a candidate for receiving an honor or prize.
The community nominated her for an award for her tireless volunteer work.
Award-winning
Having won one or more awards.
The award-winning documentary highlighted environmental issues.
Up for an award
Being considered as a potential recipient of an award.
Her latest novel is up for an award in the best fiction category.
Award category
A specific area or type of achievement for which an award is given.
He was nominated in the best actor award category.
Award criteria
The standards or requirements based on which an award is given.
The award criteria include innovation, impact, and sustainability.
Present an award
To give an award to someone, often at a ceremony.
The principal presented awards to the outstanding students of the year.
Qualify for an award
To meet the criteria necessary to be considered for an award.
His innovative design qualified for an award at the international competition.
Receive an award
To be given a prize or honor as recognition for one's achievement.
He received an award for his lifetime contributions to literature.
Award panel
A group of people tasked with deciding the winners of an award.
The award panel had a difficult time choosing the winner from such talented nominees.
Bestow an award
To give an award as a mark of honor or recognition.
The foundation bestowed an award on the scientist for her pioneering work.
Sweep the awards
To win multiple awards at a single event or ceremony.
The film swept the awards at the festival, winning best picture, director, and screenplay.
Deserving of an award
Worthy of being given an award for accomplishments or qualities.
Her dedication to teaching makes her deserving of an award.
Award recipient
Someone who has been given an award.
The award recipient thanked her team for their support.
Award selection committee
A group responsible for choosing who will receive an award.
The award selection committee reviewed hundreds of applications.
Award eligibility
The state of being qualified to be considered for an award.
His publication record boosted his award eligibility.
Finalist for an award
Being in the final group from which the award recipients are chosen.
She was a finalist for an award in community service.
Call for award nominations
A request for submissions of candidates for an award.
The organization called for award nominations in early spring.
Award gala
A formal event where awards are presented.
Celebrities and industry leaders attended the award gala in elegant attire.
Award Example Sentences
The award ceremony was held at the city hall.
The teacher presented an award to the most improved student.
Receiving the award was a moment he would never forget.
The science fair award went to a project on renewable energy.
They eagerly awaited the announcement of the award winners.
The award ceremony celebrated achievements in various categories.
The award for best costume was given to a handmade design.
She thanked her team during her award acceptance speech.
Winning an award boosted her confidence in her artistic abilities.
His first book won an award and became a bestseller.
Each award recipient gave a speech to express their gratitude.
The film director has won numerous awards throughout his career.
An award can motivate students to achieve greater academic success.
Being nominated for an award was an honor in itself.
The award highlighted her dedication to environmental activism.
Common Curiosities
What is a stressed syllable in award?
The second syllable, "ward," is the stressed syllable in award.
Why is it called award?
It is called award because it refers to a prize or other recognition given in honor of an achievement, derived from the Middle English word "awarden," meaning to decide or decree.
What is the first form of award?
The first (base) form is "award."
What is the root word of award?
The root word of award is the Middle English "awarden," coming from Anglo-Norman "awarder," meaning to decide or decree.
How do we divide award into syllables?
Award is divided into syllables as a-ward.
How is award used in a sentence?
"She received an award for her outstanding contribution to science."
How many syllables are in award?
There are two syllables in award.
Is award a noun or adjective?
Award is primarily a noun and a verb. It is not used as an adjective.
What is the verb form of award?
The verb form is "award," as in "to award someone a prize."
What is the second form of award?
The second form (simple past) is "awarded."
What is the third form of award?
The third form (past participle) is "awarded."
What is the opposite of award?
The opposite of award could be "penalty" or "punishment" depending on the context.
Is award an adverb?
No, award is not an adverb.
Is award a collective noun?
No, award is not typically used as a collective noun.
What is the pronunciation of award?
The pronunciation of award is /əˈwɔːrd/ (American English).
What is the singular form of award?
The singular form is "award."
Is award a countable noun?
Yes, award is a countable noun (e.g., one award, two awards).
Is the award term a metaphor?
The term "award" can be used metaphorically to denote any form of recognition or honor, not just physical trophies or prizes.
Is the word “award” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Award" can serve as a direct object in a sentence, e.g., "The committee awarded the award."
Which determiner is used with award?
Determiners such as "the," "a," "an," "this," or "my" can be used with award depending on the context, e.g., "the award," "an award."
What is another term for award?
Another term for award is "prize" or "honor."
What is the plural form of award?
The plural form is "awards."
Is award an abstract noun?
Yes, as a noun, award can be considered abstract because it represents an idea or a recognition rather than a physical object.
Is award a negative or positive word?
Award is a positive word, as it denotes receiving something in honor of an achievement.
Which vowel is used before award?
The articles "a" or "an" are used based on the sound following; "an" is used before a vowel sound, but "a" is used before "award" since it begins with a consonant sound.
Which conjunction is used with award?
Conjunctions like "and," "or," and "but" can be used in sentences involving "award" to connect clauses or items.
Which article is used with award?
The definite article "the" or the indefinite article "an" can be used with "award" depending on whether it refers to a specific award or any award in general, e.g., "the award" or "an award."
Is the word award imperative?
The word "award" can be used in the imperative mood when giving a command or instruction, e.g., "Award the prize to the winner."
Which preposition is used with award?
Prepositions such as "for," "with," or "by" can be used with award depending on the context, e.g., "award for bravery," "awarded by the committee."
What part of speech is award?
Award can be a noun (indicating the prize itself) or a verb (the act of giving a prize).
Is award a vowel or consonant?
This question does not apply to the word "award" as a whole; it pertains to individual letters.
Is the word award Gerund?
The gerund form of award would be "awarding," as in "awarding the prize."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Term
Windowpane Definition and Meaning
Next Term
Sendoff Definition and MeaningAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
