Award
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Definitions
- Noun: A prize or recognition given for an achievement or excellence in a particular field.
- Verb: To give someone an award or honor in recognition of their achievement.
Usage Examples
- She won an award for her outstanding contribution to the field of science.
- The committee will award the prize to the best candidate at the end of the month.
- The young athlete was honored with an award for her bravery and sportsmanship.
Etymology
The word "award" comes from Middle English "awarden," meaning to give as a prize or to assign. It is derived from the Old French "aouarder," meaning "to guarantee" or "to reward," which itself comes from the Latin "adwardare," meaning "to give attention to" or "to pay attention to." The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the act of giving a prize or recognition for accomplishment.
Synonyms
- Prize
- Honour
- Accolade
- Recognition
- Medal
Antonyms
- Penalty
- Punishment
- Reprimand
- Criticism
Translations
Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
English |
Award |
/əˈwɔːrd/ |
French |
Prix |
/pʁi/ |
Spanish |
Premio |
/ˈpɾemjo/ |
German |
Auszeichnung |
/ˈaʊsˌt͡saɪ̯çnʊŋ/ |
Italian |
Premio |
/ˈprɛːmjo/ |
Arabic |
جائزة (Jaiza) |
/ˈd͡ʒaːʔɪza/ |
Russian |
Награда (Nagrada) |
/nɐˈɡradə/ |
Chinese (Mandarin) |
奖 (Jiǎng) |
/tɕjɑŋ˥˩/ |
Hindi |
इनाम (Inaam) |
/ɪˈnɑːm/ |
Japanese |
賞 (Shō) |
/ʃoː/ |
Portuguese |
Prêmio |
/ˈpɾɛmiu/ |
Turkish |
Ödül |
/øˈdyl/ |
Korean |
상 (Sang) |
/saŋ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In British English, the pronunciation is typically more rounded, /əˈwɔːrd/.
- In American English, there is a tendency to soften the "r" sound, making it less pronounced.
- In Australian English, the pronunciation tends to be similar to British English, but with a more clipped "a" sound.
Historical Usage
The term "award" has been used since the 14th century in both formal and informal contexts. Initially, it was used to refer to legal decisions made by a judge or tribunal, such as awarding damages or fines. Over time, the term expanded to include recognition or prizes for achievements in various fields, from the arts and sciences to sports and education. The concept of awards as a form of honor and recognition became more formalized during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, with institutions like the Academy of Sciences and the Nobel Prizes solidifying the tradition.
Cultural Nuances
The act of awarding someone is deeply rooted in cultural practices worldwide. In many cultures, awards represent not only individual achievement but also the recognition of the collective effort of a community or nation. The way awards are given can vary—some are presented in elaborate ceremonies, while others may be more private or informal. In some cultures, awards serve as an expression of respect or gratitude, while in others, they symbolize the pursuit of excellence and personal growth.
More Information
An award can be a physical object, such as a trophy or medal, or a symbolic gesture, such as a certificate or title. It is often presented in recognition of a person's accomplishments, and it serves to honor their efforts, inspire others, and promote excellence in a particular field. Awards can be given by institutions, organizations, or governments, and they can be for achievements in sports, arts, science, literature, education, and more. The process of awarding often involves a selection committee or jury that evaluates the candidates based on predetermined criteria.