prize
B1Formal, informal, academic
Definition
Meaning
Something valuable, such as money or a trophy, awarded for winning a competition or in recognition of an achievement.
Something extremely desirable or valuable, especially something that is difficult to obtain. Also used as a verb meaning to value highly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can denote both tangible and intangible rewards. As a verb, often implies a deep, careful valuation or estimation of worth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a verb, 'prize' and 'prise' (to force something open) are homophones in British English, but often distinguished by spelling ('prize' for value, 'prise' for levering). In American English, 'prize' is typically used for both meanings.
Connotations
Both share strong positive connotations of reward and high value.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
win + PRIZEaward + PRIZE + to + PERSONPRIZE + for + ACHIEVEMENTvalue/prize + NOUN/PRONOUN + highly (verb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “prize catch”
- “no prizes for guessing”
- “prize idiot (derogatory)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for sales incentives, employee recognition awards, or describing a valuable asset (e.g., 'prize client').
Academic
Common in discussions of competitions, scholarships, and prestigious awards like the Nobel Prize.
Everyday
Used for competitions, lotteries, games, and to describe cherished possessions.
Technical
In economics, can refer to a premium or bonus; in fishing, a 'prize' can refer to a captured vessel or catch.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I prize this old watch because it was my grandfather's.
- She prized open the locked drawer with a screwdriver.
American English
- He prizes his independence above all else.
- They prized the lid off the crate.
adjective
British English
- It was his prize rose bush.
- The prize bull was worth a fortune.
American English
- She showed off her prize recipe.
- He was the prize recruit for the football team.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He won a prize in the school race.
- My grandmother's ring is my prize possession.
- The first prize is a holiday for two.
- Scientists prize accuracy in their experiments.
- She was awarded the prize for her groundbreaking research.
- Freedom is a prize worth fighting for.
- The manuscript, prized by collectors, sold for a record sum.
- They managed to prise some concessions from the negotiators after lengthy talks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PRIZE' and 'PRICE' – both relate to value, but a prize is the reward you get, not what you pay.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A VALUABLE OBJECT (e.g., 'She reaped the prizes of her hard work').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'price' (цена). The Russian 'приз' is a close cognate for the noun, but remember the verb 'prize' means 'высоко ценить', not 'призировать'. Avoid calquing 'get a prize' as 'получить приз' when 'win a prize' (выиграть приз) is more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'price' instead of 'prize' (spelling error). Incorrectly using 'get a prize' instead of 'win a prize' for competitions. Overusing 'prize' for any small reward.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'prize' as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'prize' is typically won in a competition or contest. An 'award' is given in recognition of achievement, often by a panel. A 'reward' is given for effort, service, or good behaviour, not necessarily in a formal competition.
No, 'prize' can refer to intangible things like 'the prize of freedom' or 'peace was the ultimate prize'. As a verb, it refers to valuing something highly.
It is pronounced /praɪz/, rhyming with 'eyes' and 'size'. The pronunciation is identical in British and American English.
Yes, attributively, as in 'prize bull' or 'prize student', meaning 'that has won or deserves a prize' or 'of superior quality'.