What is award? Pronunciation and usage in English

award means . Learn how to pronounce and use award through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of award

awardverb/noun

/əˈwɔːd/
Definition & pronunciation of award

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "award." It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈɔːr.d/ (rhymes with "chord")

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈɔːr - This part is key. It sounds like "or" as in "more" or "door." The "a" is a long "o" sound, like in "caught." The stress (the emphasis) is on this syllable.
  • d - This is just a simple "d" sound, as in "dog."

Here's a helpful way to think about it:

Imagine you're saying "or-d" with a long "o" sound in the "or" part.

Visual Aid (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /ˈɔːr.d/

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

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  • Explain the difference between how it might sound in different accents?

Usage and examples with the word award in English

Let's break down how to use the word "award" in English. It has several different meanings and ways of being used. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Noun (the most common usage):

  • Definition: A prize given for achievement, excellence, or service. It's something given to recognize someone's accomplishment.
  • Examples:
    • “She received an award for her outstanding work in the community.” (She got a prize)
    • "The company presented its employees with employee awards." (They gave out prizes.)
    • "He won an award for the best short film at the festival." (He received recognition for his film.)
    • “The Nobel Award in Literature is highly prestigious.” (Referring to the specific prize.)

2. As a Verb (less common, but important):

  • Definition: To give (something, especially a prize) to someone as a recognition of their achievement or service.
  • Examples:
    • “The committee will award the contract to the most qualified bidder.” (They will give the contract.)
    • "The judges will award points for technique and artistry." (They will score/give points.)
    • "The university awards degrees to students who complete their coursework." (They give out degrees.)
    • “The charity awards grants to organizations that make a difference.” (They give money.)

3. Specific Types of Awards:

  • Scholarship: An award (usually monetary) given to support someone's education. "She received a scholarship award."
  • Honorary Award: An award given without requiring specific qualifications, typically for lifetime achievement or service. "He was given an honorary award for his contributions to science."
  • Medal: A small metal disc awarded as a decoration for bravery or achievement. "He was awarded a medal for his heroism."
  • Trophy: Often a physical award – a statuette – awarded for winning a competition. "The team was awarded the trophy after winning the championship."

4. Phrases Using "Award":

  • To be awarded: “He was awarded first prize.” (passive voice – he received the prize)
  • To award someone with something: “The academy awarded her with an Oscar.”
  • To award points: “The referee awarded two penalty points to the team.”

Key Differences Between "Award" as Noun and Verb:

Feature Award (Noun) Award (Verb)
Function Thing given Action of giving
Example “The prize was an award.” “They awarded the prize.”

Tips for Using "Award" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to how the word is used in the sentence to understand its meaning.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like “prize,” “recognition,” “honor,” or “grant” depending on the situation.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of "award" in a specific context (e.g., sports, academics, art)?
  • Explain how to form sentences with "award" in the passive voice?
  • Discuss the nuances of using "award" versus "grant"?

Synonyms for the word award

Practice with vocabulary award

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She received an ______ for her outstanding contribution to the project.
  2. The committee decided to ______ the prize to the most innovative startup.
  3. He was honored with a ______ for his dedication to charity work last year.
  4. The company announced a new ______ system to recognize employee achievements.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What do you call a recognition given for excellence in a specific field?
    a) Prize
    b) Award
    c) Gift
    d) Bonus

  2. Which of the following terms can replace "award" in this sentence: "She won an ______ for her research"?
    a) Accolade
    b) Punishment
    c) Reward
    d) Award

  3. What is the best word to describe a formal acknowledgment of achievement?
    a) Training
    b) Award
    c) Criticism
    d) Fee

  4. Which term is NOT related to recognition or achievement?
    a) Honor
    b) Trophy
    c) Penalty
    d) Award

  5. In official ceremonies, what is typically given to winners?
    a) Award
    b) Fine
    c) Scholarship
    d) Medal

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The school gave her a prize for her academic excellence.
  2. They presented him with a trophy after the competition.
  3. The company recognized her hard work with a bonus at the end of the year.

Answers:

Exercise 1:

  1. award
  2. award
  3. recognition
  4. reward

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Award
  2. a) Accolade, d) Award
  3. b) Award
  4. c) Penalty
  5. a) Award, d) Medal

Exercise 3:

  1. The school awarded her for her academic excellence.
  2. They awarded him a trophy after the competition.
  3. The company rewarded her hard work with a bonus at the end of the year.

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