awards
|a-ward|
🇺🇸
/əˈwɔrd/
🇬🇧
/əˈwɔːd/
(award)
to give as a reward
Etymology
'award' originates from Old French (Middle English borrowing) specifically from a verb like 'awarden'/'awarder', ultimately built with a- (from Old French/Anglo-Norman) plus a Germanic root related to 'ward' meaning 'guard' or 'keep'.
'award' changed from Old French/Anglo-Norman forms such as 'awarden' and Middle English 'awarden'/'aworden' and eventually became the modern English word 'award'.
Initially it had senses related to 'considering' or 'assigning' (and had links with guarding/keeping in root terms), but over time it evolved into the current primary meaning 'to grant or give officially' and the noun sense 'a prize or grant.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'award': things (such as prizes or honors) given to recognize achievement.
She has won several awards for her writing.
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Noun 2
an official grant or decision to give something (e.g., money, damages, a contract).
The court's awards included compensation for lost wages.
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Verb 1
third-person singular form of 'award': to give or grant (something) formally or officially, often as a prize or in recognition.
The foundation awards scholarships to outstanding students each year.
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Last updated: 2025/12/04 09:42