Award
What it means
A prize, honor, or grant given in recognition of merit or need.
Reach for it when naming a concrete recognition rather than praise in general
The science club received an award for its clean-water project.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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everyday
Fits when competition produces a concrete reward
Careful A prize may result from luck and need not recognize merit.
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everyday
Fits when a physical object marks competitive success
Careful Trophy is too narrow for certificates, grants, and honorary titles.
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warm
Fits when esteem and distinction matter more than an object
Careful Honor can be informal and may not involve an official award.
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professional
Fits when money is provided for a defined purpose
Careful A grant can be based on need or plans rather than prior achievement.
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professional
Fits when being noticed for contribution is the benefit
Careful Recognition can be verbal or private and may carry no award.
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formal
Fits when public praise or a prestigious distinction is intended
Careful Accolade can be figurative and does not always name a formal prize.
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formal
Fits when recognized excellence or rank is the point
Careful Distinction may be a status rather than something presented.
Opposites 3
- penalty
- reprimand
- disqualification
Common phrases 4
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receive an award
The volunteers will receive an award at Friday's ceremony.
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prestigious award
The accessible design earned a prestigious award.
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award ceremony
The award ceremony included a short film about every finalist.
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cash award
A cash award will fund the winning team's prototype.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated