Award vs Reward
Award and Reward are two words that are often confused due to the assumed similarity in their meanings. However, there is a difference between award and reward. As words, both award and reward are used as both nouns and verbs. The word reward has its origins in Middle English, while the word award has its origins in Late Middle English. An example for a phrase that uses the word reward would be go to one’s reward.
What does Award mean?
An award is typically given to a person as a token of recognition of their achievements in a particular field of science or arts. It is given to honor a person who has achieved a status in a field. An award is given in the form of a shield, a trophy, title, badge, medals, or sometimes cash. An award is not given for helping others in completing their tasks but is given to promote a field of art or science.
What does Reward mean?
A reward, on the other hand, is given in honor of the contribution made by a person to a particular field and serves as a kind of encouragement. Unlike an award, a reward is not given in the form of a memento but is given as money. Rewards are given as a kind of compensation for helping someone complete a difficult task or for providing valid information that is useful to a department.
Key Takeaways
- An award is given to honor a person who has achieved a status in a field, while a reward is given to acknowledge a person’s contribution to a particular field and to encourage them.
- An award is given in the form of a shield, trophy, title, badge, medals, or sometimes cash, while a reward is given as money.
- Rewards are given as compensation for helping someone complete a difficult task, whereas awards are given to promote a field of art or science and are not given for helping others complete tasks.
