award
|a/ward|
🇺🇸
/əˈwɔrd/
🇬🇧
/əˈwɔːd/
to give as a reward
Etymology
'award' originates from Anglo-French/Old North French, specifically the word 'awarder' (from the element 'ward'), where the root 'ward' meant 'to guard' or 'to watch' (from Proto-Germanic *wardaz).
'award' changed from the Anglo-French/Old North French word 'awarder' and the Middle English verb 'awarden' and eventually became the modern English word 'award'.
Initially, it meant 'to guard' or 'to consider/judge' in early use; over time it evolved into its current main sense of 'to give something as a result of a decision' (a prize, payment, contract, etc.).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
something given to recognize achievement, merit, or excellence (a prize or honor).
She received an award for her research.
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Noun 2
a formal decision ordering payment or the granting of something (often used in legal or administrative contexts), e.g., an award of damages or a contract award.
The award for damages totaled $50,000.
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Verb 1
to give or grant (something) officially or as the result of a decision (often a prize, honor, contract, or sum of money).
The committee will award the prize next week.
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Verb 2
(Law) To decide by a legal or formal process to give (e.g., damages, custody, or compensation).
The court awarded him full custody.
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Last updated: 2025/12/04 07:36