Definition

1. Noun:

   • Something given or received in return for a service, merit, or achievement: A reward is a benefit, payment, or recognition given for effort, good behavior, or a helpful act.
   • A sum of money offered for information or the return of lost property: A reward can be a financial incentive for providing help, such as finding a criminal or returning something valuable.
   • The positive consequence or benefit of an action: A reward can be the advantageous outcome or result of a particular behavior or event.

2. Verb:

   • To give something to someone in recognition of their service, effort, or achievement: To reward someone means to give them a prize, money, or honor for what they have done.
   • To strengthen or encourage a behavior by providing a positive consequence: To reward can mean to reinforce a desired action by offering a benefit.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The company offers a financial reward for employees who suggest successful ideas.
  • Finding the lost dog brought its own emotional reward.
  • A substantial reward was posted for information leading to an arrest.

• Verb:

  • The teacher will reward the class with a party for their hard work.
  • Good deeds are often rewarded with gratitude.
  • The system is designed to reward efficiency and punish waste.

Advanced Usage

• "Virtue is its own reward": This idiom means that acting in a morally good way is satisfying in itself, without needing any other prize or recognition.

  • He didn't expect praise for helping; he believes virtue is its own reward.

• "To reap the rewards": This phrase means to enjoy the benefits or positive results of something one has done.

  • After years of study, she is now reaping the rewards of her dedication.

Variants and Related Words

• Rewarding (adj): Providing satisfaction or a sense of benefit.

  • Teaching is a very rewarding profession.

• Rewardable (adj): Deserving of a reward.

  • His actions were deemed rewardable by the committee.

Synonyms

• Prize: An award for victory or superiority.
• Bonus: An extra payment or benefit.
• Recompense: Compensation or payment for service, loss, or injury.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Reward" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its meaning is typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms

• "The reward for...": Used to specify what is gained from a particular action.

  • The reward for all his patience was finally getting the job.

• "Go unrewarded": To not receive any recognition or benefit for one's efforts.

  • Her kindness did not go unrewarded; the community held a ceremony in her honor.

Noun

1. benefit resulting from some event or action
   • it turned out to my advantage
   • reaping the rewards of generosity
2. the offer of money for helping to find a criminal or for returning lost property
3. an act performed to strengthen approved behavior
4. payment made in return for a service rendered
5. a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
   • the wages of sin is death
   • virtue is its own reward

Verb

1. act or give recompense in recognition of someone's behavior or actions
2. strengthen and support with rewards
   • Let's reinforce good behavior
3. bestow honor or rewards upon
   • Today we honor our soldiers
   • The scout was rewarded for courageous action