Difference Between Award and Reward

Main Difference – Award vs Reward

Award and reward are two interrelated words that basically refer to the same thing. Both words refer to a thing given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement. The main difference between award and reward is that award is generally given in front of an audience whereas a reward is generally given privately.

Award – Meaning and Usage

Award is both a verb and a noun. As a noun, award refers to a prize or another mark of recognition given in honor of an achievement. Award, as a verb, refers to giving something as a prize, compensation, or official payment. Awards are tokens of appreciation; they can be certificates, medals, statues, titles, badges, pins, cash, etc. They are given to noteworthy achievements or remarkable contributions to specific fields. For instance, Nobel Prize is a set of annual awards which honors a number of people who have done a noteworthy service to academic, scientific and cultural fields. Likewise, award ceremonies like Academy Awards (Oscar), Golden Globe, Pulitzer Awards, and Booker Prize all give awards to noteworthy figures and works in their respective fields.

An important feature that can be seen in all these events is that the award is given in public, in front of an audience. And the award winner is chosen in a systematic manner; first nominations are made for each award category, and then a panel of judges chose the most deserving person for the award.

Reward – Meaning and Usage

Reward is also a thing given in recognition of service, achievement or effort. But a reward is less grand in scale than an award. They are not given in front of an audience, as in an award ceremony. Nevertheless they are given to appreciate a person’s efforts, behavior and skills. Reward can be either monetary or non-monetary. For example, if you help other people, and lead a just and fair lifestyle you’ll be rewarded with a happy and hassle-free life. On the other hand, if you return someone’s lost pet, you might get a monetary reward as a thank you for your effort. Reward may not be an award, but it can be just as rewarding and fulfilling.

Reward, unlike award, can be used in personal situations. If you study hard, passing the exam might be a reward for your efforts. If you look after your little cousin, your aunt may reward you with a box of chocolate. But award cannot be used in this context. It is usually reserved for more official and formal contexts.