reward
B1Neutral to formal; common across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
Something given or received in return for an effort, service, achievement, or good behavior.
The positive consequence or benefit that results from an action; also, the act of giving such a benefit. In psychology, a positive stimulus that reinforces a desired behavior.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can be both concrete (prize, money) and abstract (sense of satisfaction). Often implies a benefit given by someone in authority or as part of a system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Spelling and pronunciation are the primary distinctions.
Connotations
Equally positive in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally frequent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
reward someone for something (with something)reward someone (with something)be rewarded by somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reap the rewards”
- “A reward in itself”
- “Virtue is its own reward”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Employee reward schemes, performance-based rewards, shareholder rewards.
Academic
Discussed in psychology (reward pathways), economics (reward systems), and ethics.
Everyday
Finding a lost pet, rewarding children for good grades, the reward of hard work.
Technical
In machine learning, a scalar feedback signal (reinforcement learning).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The company will reward its staff with a bonus.
- His efforts were finally rewarded.
American English
- The police are offering to reward anyone with information.
- She felt rewarded by the success of the project.
adverb
British English
- This job pays rewardingly well.
American English
- She smiled rewardingly at her students.
adjective
British English
- Teaching is a highly rewarding career.
- It was a rewarding experience.
American English
- He found the volunteer work personally rewarding.
- A financially rewarding investment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher gave the child a sweet as a reward.
- Finding my keys was a big reward!
- Hard work often brings its own rewards.
- A cash reward was offered for the return of the necklace.
- The financial rewards of the job were substantial, but the stress was high.
- They were handsomely rewarded for their loyalty to the firm.
- The intrinsic reward of mastering a complex skill often outweighs any extrinsic praise.
- The study examines how variable reward schedules affect consumer behavior.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-WARD: You get something BACK (RE-) for standing GUARD (WARD) or doing your duty.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A GAMBLING GAME (reaping rewards), GOOD BEHAVIOR IS AN INVESTMENT (future rewards).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'reward' for a simple 'salary' (зарплата) – use 'wage' or 'pay'.
- Do not confuse with 'award' (награда) which is often for public, formal achievements; 'reward' can be private.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'reward' as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'He got reward' instead of 'He got a reward').
- Confusing 'rewarding' (adj) with 'rewarded' (verb past).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'reward' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'reward' inherently has a positive connotation. A negative consequence is a 'punishment' or 'penalty'.
An 'award' is typically a public, formal prize for an achievement (Oscars, Nobel Prize). A 'reward' can be private or public and is given for a service, help, or good behavior (reward for finding a lost cat, reward for employees).
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to give a reward to' or 'to show appreciation for' (e.g., 'The boss rewarded the team with a day off').
It describes an experience or activity that provides personal satisfaction, fulfillment, or benefit, not necessarily monetary (e.g., 'Volunteering is very rewarding').
Collections
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