Award and Reward Are Nearly the Same Word
An award is something given after a decision. It shares an origin with reward and with guard, through the Norman French treatment of a Germanic root.
An award is something granted after consideration — a prize, or a sum decided by a court. It shares a root with *reward* and with *guard* and *ward*, all from a Germanic word meaning to watch over. Norman French turned the initial w into gu, which is why English has pairs like *warden* and *guardian*, *warranty* and *guarantee*. An award is a decision made after watching carefully.
- A prize. *An award for bravery.*
- A sum decided legally. *A compensation award.*
- Verb, to grant. *The court awarded costs.*
- Reward — something given in return. *A reward for information.*
- Award-winning — having won awards. *An award-winning design.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | award | A national award. |
| Plural | awards | Industry awards. |
| Verb | award | Award the contract. |
| Related | reward | A cash reward. |
| Related | guard | A night guard. |
- She received an award for services to medicine.Honour.
- The tribunal awarded three months' pay.Legal.
- A reward was offered for the missing dog.The related word.
W and GU pairs from Norman French
- Warden and guardian
- Warranty and guarantee
- Ward and guard
- William and Guillaume
- Wile and guile
Anglo-French *awarder*, to decide after examination, from a Germanic root meaning to watch. English has used it since the 1300s.
What is the difference between an award and a reward?
An award is granted after a judgement, usually for merit. A reward is given in return for something, such as information or a service.
Why do English pairs like warden and guardian exist?
Because English borrowed the same Germanic word twice, once through Norman French, which turned w into gu.