Words of Positivity
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Award

n.joyful, capableeveryday

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.

Choose between these

7
  • everyday

    prize

    competition produces a concrete reward

    not when A prize may result from luck and need not recognize merit.

  • everyday

    trophy

    a physical object marks competitive success

    not when Trophy is too narrow for certificates, grants, and honorary titles.

  • warm

    honor

    esteem and distinction matter more than an object

    not when Honor can be informal and may not involve an official award.

  • professional

    grant

    money is provided for a defined purpose

    not when A grant can be based on need or plans rather than prior achievement.

  • professional

    recognition

    being noticed for contribution is the benefit

    not when Recognition can be verbal or private and may carry no award.

  • formal

    accolade

    public praise or a prestigious distinction is intended

    not when Accolade can be figurative and does not always name a formal prize.

  • formal

    distinction

    recognized excellence or rank is the point

    not when Distinction may be a status rather than something presented.

Said against

3
  • penalty
  • reprimand
  • disqualification

It naturally appears in

4
  • receive an award

    The volunteers will receive an award at Friday's ceremony.

  • prestigious award

    The accessible design earned a prestigious award.

  • award ceremony

    The award ceremony included a short film about every finalist.

  • cash award

    A cash award will fund the winning team's prototype.

Where this comes from

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.