Reading Theme:
Reward Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：prize or benefit (reward)
reward
/rɪˈwɔːrd/
n.
Something you are given because you have done something good or helpful.
prize or benefit
➕
/praɪz ɔːr ˈbɛnɪfɪt/
n.
Something given in recognition of good deeds or achievements.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'reguard', with 're-' (back) and 'ward' (guard), meaning to regard or consider.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'RE-ward' as giving back honor for good deeds.
📖 Example
After helping clean the entire park, the children received a reward of ice cream vouchers.
The children were given ice cream vouchers as a reward for cleaning the park.
🔗 Collocations
financial reward – monetary compensation for effort
reward system – a method of giving rewards to encourage behavior
as a reward – given in return for something good
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
punishment (n.) – A penalty imposed for wrongdoing.
penalty (n.) – A punishment imposed for breaking a rule or law.
🌱 Derivatives
rewarding (adj.) – Providing satisfaction or benefit.
rewardless (adj.) – Without reward; unrewarded.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Old French 'reguarder', meaning 'to look back at'. Evolved to denote compensation for service. Widely used in psychology for positive reinforcement in behavior modification.
Meaning 2：to give a prize or benefit (reward)
reward
/rɪˈwɔːrd/
n.
To give someone something because they have done something good or helpful.
to give a prize or benefit
➕
/tuː ɡɪv ə praɪz ɔːr ˈbɛnɪfɪt/
n.
To provide something to someone in return for their good actions or achievements.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The company decided to reward its most productive employees with an extra week of paid vacation.
The company provided an extra week of paid vacation to reward productive employees.
🔗 Collocations
reward with – give a reward using something
reward for – give a reward because of something
highly reward – give a significant reward
🔄 Synonyms
compensate (v.) – To give something, typically money, in return for services or loss.
remunerate (v.) – To pay someone for services rendered.
recompense (v.) – To make amends or give compensation for something.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
rewarder (n.) – One who gives rewards.
Wordbook
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