prize
/pɹaɪz/
A reward granted for victory or excellence, usually carrying a sense of prestige and public recognition. Unlike a 'reward', which can be given for any good deed (like finding a lost dog), a prize typically implies a competition or a structured contest.
When used as a verb, it suggests treating something with extreme value or affection. This carries an emotional weight of reverence and protection, moving beyond simple valuation into the realm of cherishing.
In certain contexts, 'prize' can refer to something captured by force (like a pirate's prize), though this is now largely archaic or specialized. In modern usage, it almost always leans toward positive achievement or high emotional esteem.
Countable when referring to a specific trophy or award won in a contest. Uncountable when referring to the general concept of something being highly valued or prized.
💬Casual Conversation
This 'prize' from the arcade is literally just a broken keychain.
This 'prize' from the arcade is literally just a broken keychain.
What did you expect? It's always a rip-off.
What did you expect? It's always a rip-off.
Meanings
An award given to the winner of a competition or contest.
He won first prize in the science fair.
Something of great value or high quality that is highly sought after.
The rare manuscript is the prize of the collection.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French pris, which evolved from the Latin pretium meaning value or price. The term originally referred to the act of capturing a ship or its cargo as a spoil of war, which eventually expanded to encompass any reward won in a competition or a highly valued possession. The sense of using a lever to move an object is a separate development, likely influenced by the phonetic similarity to pry.