What does rewarded mean?
“Rewarded” most commonly describes someone or something that has received a benefit for an action, achievement, or quality. A reward may be money, a gift, praise, promotion, recognition, or simply an acknowledgment, so the word often carries a positive sense of appreciation and encouragement. It can also function as the past tense and past participle of the verb “reward,” meaning “to give a reward to” or “to compensate for an effort.” In conversation and formal writing alike, “rewarded with” introduces what was received, while “rewarded for” identifies the action or quality that earned it. The word is useful because it can describe both the receiving side of an exchange and the completed action of granting recognition or compensation.
Having received a reward, benefit, recognition, or compensation for an action or achievement.
"The successful researcher was rewarded with a prestigious grant."
Commonly used with “with” to name the benefit received or with “for” to identify the reason for the reward.
Past tense and past participle of “reward”: to give someone a reward or benefit for an action, achievement, or quality.
"The company rewarded its employees with additional time off."
This is the past tense and past participle form; it is often followed by “with” plus a benefit or by “for” plus the action that earned it.
Being rewarded is not merely about receiving a prize: in everyday English, it can mean being given anything—from pay and praise to a simple thank-you.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rewarded come from?
The English word belongs to a family based on “reward,” which entered English through Anglo-French from an Old French word associated with recompense or remuneration. The modern forms “rewarded,” “rewarding,” and “rewarder” developed within English from this older base. Related words in several European languages express the idea of repayment, compensation, or a return granted for service or merit.
Related word forms
How rewarded is actually used
The form is commonly used in both British and American English. As an adjective, it usually takes “with” or “for”; as a verb form, it is followed by a direct object or an indirect object with “for.”
Easily confused with rewarded
“Reward” is the noun or verb for the benefit given in return for an action, while “rewarded” describes the person or thing that has received that benefit or serves as the past form of “reward.”