What does reward mean?
Reward denotes both a benefit or recognition given in response to achievement, effort, service, or a desirable outcome, and the act of giving such a benefit. It is commonly used for money, prizes, bonuses, awards, acknowledgements, or personal satisfaction. The word often suggests that the recipient has done something worthy of notice, although it can also refer to an incentive offered before an action, such as a reward for completing a task. As a verb, "to reward" describes the act of acknowledging or compensating someone, as in "the company rewarded its employees for their dedication." Its connotation is generally positive, emphasizing recognition, encouragement, and fairness. The noun and verb forms are closely related, and the word appears in expressions involving rewards, prizes, incentives, and recognition.
Something given or received in recognition of achievement, effort, or service; a prize, payment, or benefit.
"Winning the scholarship was a reward for years of careful work."
A reward may be material, such as money or a prize, or symbolic, such as praise or recognition.
To give someone a prize, payment, acknowledgement, or other benefit in recognition of their achievement or efforts.
"The judges rewarded the strongest competitor with the championship title."
Often used with "for" followed by an achievement, action, or quality: "rewarded them for their honesty."
The plural form is used for individual benefits, prizes, or acknowledgements, and also for the general concept of incentives.
"The coach offered rewards for completing the training program."
The word reward originally referred to a gift given after a successful military campaign or other notable achievement, so it has always carried the idea of recognition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reward come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French *reward*, a word associated with giving or receiving something after a notable achievement. Its deeper origins are uncertain, though it is generally connected to medieval Germanic and Anglo-Norman usage. The modern sense gradually broadened from military and material payment to include praise, prizes, benefits, and personal satisfaction.
Related word forms
How reward is actually used
In modern usage, reward most often means a benefit, acknowledgement, or payment given for achievement or service. The word can also refer to a desirable consequence more generally, and it is commonly used in the verb pattern "reward someone for something."
Easily confused with reward
A reward is a thing given in recognition or as compensation, while rewarding describes an experience or activity that gives satisfaction or encouragement.