Difference Between Awarded And Rewarded

English learners often face challenges with words that look and sound similar but carry different meanings. Two such words are awarded and rewarded. At first glance, they might seem interchangeable because both relate to giving something to someone, often as a form of recognition. However, they are used in different contexts and convey distinct ideas. Understanding the difference between awarded and rewarded is crucial for clear and correct communication in both written and spoken English.

What Does Awarded Mean?

Awarded comes from the noun award, which refers to a prize, honor, or recognition given to someone for an achievement, success, or excellence in a particular field. It usually involves formal acknowledgment, often presented in ceremonies, official documents, or competitive events. The term awarded is commonly used in academic, professional, and artistic contexts. Examples include:

• She was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding academic performance.
• The film was awarded Best Picture at the festival.
• The scientist was awarded a medal for his contributions to research.

In each of these examples, awarded refers to a formal prize or recognition granted to someone based on merit or achievement.

What Does Rewarded Mean?

Rewarded comes from the noun reward, which refers to something given in return for service, effort, or good behavior. Rewards are often incentives or tokens of appreciation, and they can be tangible (money, gifts) or intangible (praise, recognition). Unlike awards, rewards can be given in casual or informal situations and are not always tied to competition or formal ceremonies. Examples include:

• He was rewarded with a bonus for meeting his sales target.
• The child was rewarded with extra playtime for cleaning his room.
• Volunteers were rewarded with free passes to the event.

In these cases, rewarded emphasizes a return for effort, service, or desired behavior rather than official acknowledgment.

Key Differences Between Awarded and Rewarded

Although both words involve giving something, their differences lie in context, formality, and purpose. Here are the main distinctions:

• Formality: Awarded is typically formal, often connected to official achievements, honors, or competitions. Rewarded can be formal or informal but is generally used in everyday situations.
• Reason: An award is given for outstanding performance, talent, or excellence, while a reward is given in return for effort, service, or specific actions.
• Context: Awards appear in academic, artistic, corporate, and competitive environments, whereas rewards can occur in homes, workplaces, or even casual interactions.

Examples in Sentences

Using Awarded

• The athlete was awarded a gold medal after winning the race.
• The university awarded her an honorary degree for her research work.
• He was awarded first place in the painting competition.

Using Rewarded

• The company rewarded loyal employees with annual bonuses.
• The dog was rewarded with a treat for following commands.
• She rewarded herself with a vacation after finishing the project.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many learners mistakenly use awarded in situations where rewarded is correct and vice versa. For instance:

• Incorrect: The teacher awarded the student for cleaning the classroom.
• Correct: The teacher rewarded the student for cleaning the classroom.

This is because cleaning the classroom is an effort or good behavior, not an achievement worthy of a formal award. Similarly:

• Incorrect: He was rewarded Best Actor at the film festival.
• Correct: He was awarded Best Actor at the film festival.

A film festival gives formal honors, so awarded is appropriate.

When to Use Each Word Correctly

To decide between awarded and rewarded, consider these points:

• Useawardedfor formal recognition, honors, medals, and official prizes.
• Userewardedfor appreciation of effort, incentives, or return for actions.

Some quick scenarios to guide your choice:

• Graduating with honors – awarded.
• Completing a household chore – rewarded.
• Winning a photography contest – awarded.
• Finishing a task early at work – rewarded.

Similar Words and Their Usage

Both awarded and rewarded have synonyms, but their use also depends on context. For awarded, similar words includehonored,granted, andbestowed. For rewarded, synonyms includecompensated,recognized, andthanked. For example:

• The committee honored her achievements. (Similar to awarded)
• Employees were compensated for working overtime. (Similar to rewarded)

Importance of Knowing the Difference

Using the wrong term can confuse your readers or listeners. For example, saying rewarded a degree sounds incorrect because a degree is a formal recognition, not a casual token of appreciation. Similarly, saying awarded for washing dishes sounds unnatural because the action does not merit an official award.

The difference between awarded and rewarded may seem subtle, but it plays a significant role in clear communication. Both words indicate giving something, yet their usage depends on context, formality, and purpose. Awarded refers to formal recognition for excellence, often in academic, artistic, or competitive environments. Rewarded, on the other hand, refers to giving something in return for effort, service, or good behavior. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the right word and communicate more effectively in any English-speaking situation. Always consider whether the act involves formal acknowledgment or an incentive for action, and you will never confuse these two terms again.