Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly. ‘Reward’ and ‘Award’
Reward is compensation for effort and Award is prize for recognition
Understanding Reward and Award: A Comparison
The question asks us to differentiate between two similar-sounding words, 'Reward' and 'Award', based on their common meanings. While they both signify something given to a person, the circumstances and reasons for giving them are typically different.
Defining 'Reward'
A Reward is generally something given in return for service, effort, or achievement. It is often seen as compensation or payment for work done, or for overcoming a difficulty, or finding something lost. Think of it as a benefit you get for contributing or performing an action.
- Given for effort or service.
- Can be compensation (like payment for a job).
- Can be for finding something lost (e.g., a reward for finding a lost pet).
- Can be monetary or non-monetary.
Examples of a Reward:
- Getting a bonus from your boss for working hard.
- Receiving a small gift for completing a survey.
- A government offering a reward for information about a crime.
Defining 'Award'
An Award, on the other hand, is usually given as a prize or honor for achieving excellence, winning a competition, or for significant recognition in a particular field. It signifies accomplishment and is often presented formally.
- Given for achievement, excellence, or winning.
- Signifies recognition or honor.
- Often presented formally (like at a ceremony).
- Can be a trophy, medal, certificate, title, or even money (as a prize).
Examples of an Award:
- Winning a trophy in a sports competition.
- Receiving a Nobel Prize for scientific achievement.
- Getting a certificate for academic excellence.
- An actor receiving an Oscar Award.
Comparing Reward and Award Meanings
Let's look at the key differences between 'Reward' and 'Award':
| Feature | Reward | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Reason Given | For effort, service, task completion, finding something. | For achievement, excellence, winning, recognition. |
| Nature | Often compensation for contribution. | Often a prize or honor for superiority. |
| Formality | Can be formal or informal. | Often presented formally. |
Based on these definitions, let's analyze the provided options:
- Option 1: Reward is compensation for effort and Award is prize for recognition. This aligns well with our definitions. Reward linked to 'effort'/'compensation' and Award linked to 'prize'/'recognition'.
- Option 2: Reward is prize for recognition and Award is compensation for effort. This reverses the meanings; Award is typically for recognition/prize, not Reward. Reward is more about compensation for effort.
- Option 3: Reward is prize for recognition and Award is gift from someone. This is incorrect. Reward is not typically a prize for recognition (that's Award). Award is for achievement/recognition, not just any 'gift from someone'.
- Option 4: Reward is gift from someone and Award is compensation for effort. This is incorrect. Reward is more specific than just 'gift from someone'; it's tied to effort/service. Award is for achievement/recognition, not compensation for effort.
Comparing the options with the standard meanings of the words 'Reward' and 'Award', option 1 provides the most accurate distinction.
Revision Table: Understanding Word Meanings
| Word | Core Meaning | Typical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Reward | Something given for service, effort, or completion. | Compensation for work, finding lost items, completing tasks. |
| Award | Something given for achievement, excellence, or recognition. | Winning competitions, recognizing significant contributions (e.g., academic, artistic, scientific). |
Additional Information: Nuances of Reward and Award
While the primary distinction is as described, there can be nuances. Sometimes a monetary prize for winning a competition might be referred to as a 'cash award' or a 'cash reward'. However, in the general sense, 'Award' emphasizes the recognition of achievement, while 'Reward' emphasizes payment or compensation for effort or service rendered. Understanding the context in which these words are used is key to grasping their precise meaning.
Similar Questions
Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Immolate’ and ‘Emulate’
Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
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Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
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Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
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Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
‘Sympathy’ and ‘Empathy’
Directions: In the following items, a pair of words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
'Complaisant' and 'Complacent'
Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
‘Complaisant’ and ‘Complacent’
Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
‘Perspicacity’ and ‘Perspicuity’
Directions : In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
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- pair, pear, pare
1. My last pair of jeans don't fit any more.
2. Dessert was a delicious pear custard.
3. They had to pare the novel down to make it into a two-hour film.
In which of the sentences given above has / have the word(s) been used correctly ?
Important Questions from Homophones
Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :
He left the meeting in a fit of __________ .
Fill in the blank with the appropriate homonym :
A __________ gives us his words of wisdom.
Select the most appropriate homophone to fill in the blank.
The dog took a __________ during his walk and lifted his __________ to indicate that he was tired.
Select the most appropriate homophone to fill in the blank.
Even animals find it difficult to ______ the loss of their loved ones.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.
Our ______ is a man of ______.
