Award or Reward?

by Craig Shrives

What Is the Difference between "Award" and "Reward"?

"Award" and "reward" are easy to confuse.
  • "Award" is a mark of recognition (e.g., a medal) for an achievement. For example
    • It is an award for winning the high jump. correct tick
    • I don't deserve this award, but I have arthritis, and I don't deserve that either. correct tick (Entertainer Jack Benny)
  • "Reward" is something given in return for service or effort. For example:
    • It is my reward for working all week without a break. correct tick
    • The reward of suffering is experience. correct tick (US President Harry S Truman)
award or reward?

More about "Award" and "Reward"

Award

An "award" is an honor (such as a medal or trophy) that somebody receives as a mark of recognition for an achievement. "Awards" are usually given after a decision made by a committee of judges.

Example sentences with "award":
  • He was given an award for 20 years' loyal service. correct tick
  • I never knew I'd be in a musical, let alone win an award for one. (Actress Nicole Kidman) correct tick
  • I feel a deep emotion and pride for the honor of having been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 1992. (Activist Rigoberta Menchu) correct tick
    • (Here, "awarded" is from the verb "to award.")

Reward

A "reward" is something (usually money) given in return for a person's service, effort, or hardship.

Example sentences with "reward":
  • There is a reward for information about the burglary. correct tick
  • We're offering a cash reward for the safe return of our dog. correct tick
  • Goodness and hard work are rewarded with respect. (Rapper Luther Campbell) correct tick
    • (Here, "rewarded" is from the verb "to reward.")

Summary

"Man gives you the award, but God gives you the reward." (Actor Denzel Washington)

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See Also

adverse or averse? affect or effect? appraise or apprise? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? discreet or discrete? disinterested or uninterested? e.g. or i.e.? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? How to write "dos and don'ts" who's or whose? List of easily confused words