award

Transitive Verb[C/U] Both

pl: awardspast: awardedpp: awardeding: awarding

The word carries a strong sense of official validation and merit. It is not a random gift or a lucky find, but a formal recognition of excellence or a legal right. There is an inherent hierarchy involved, where an authority figure or a panel judges the recipient as worthy. In legal settings, the term shifts from a celebratory tone to a technical one. Here, it describes the finality of a judgment, transforming a claim into a concrete entitlement. It suggests the closing of a dispute and the official distribution of assets or compensation.

Countable when referring to the physical trophy or the specific honor received. Uncountable when referring to the general act of granting something, such as the award of a government contract.

Meanings

Noun

A prize or token of recognition given in honor of an achievement.

"She won the award for best actress."

Transitive Verb

[someone][something]

To give a prize or official decision to someone.

"The committee decided to award the scholarship to a local student."

Transitive Verb

[something]

To grant a specific amount of money or a legal remedy by a judicial decision.

"The court awarded the plaintiff ten thousand dollars in damages."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026•Report an Error