Cool MateAward vs Medal
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Award
Medal
| Award | Medal | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈwɔːd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈwɔːrd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈmedl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈmedl/"]/ |
| Meaning | A prize or honor given to someone for their achievements. | A small metal object that you get for winning a race or competition. |
| Example | She received an award for her outstanding performance in the competition. | She proudly wore the gold medal she won at the championship. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | annual, national, coveted, announce, bestow, give somebody, go to somebody, awards banquet, awards ceremony, awards dinner, award for, award from, compensatory, discretionary, pay, get, receive, grant, compensatory, discretionary, pay, get, receive, grant | bronze, gold, silver, be awarded, collect, earn, winner, hope, hopes, medal for, a medal of honour/honor |
| Antonyms | penalty, punishment | penalty, punishment |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'award' with 'reward' - an award is usually formal and public, while a reward can be personal and informal., Using 'awards' without specifying what kind, confusing listeners., Saying 'give award' instead of 'give an award' or 'award' directly. | Confused with 'metal', thinking they mean the same., Using 'medal' as a verb incorrectly., Incorrectly pluralizing as 'medalses'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'award' in formal contexts when discussing honors in competitions, ceremonies, or achievements. Avoid using it in casual conversation unless referring to a specific event. | Used when talking about achievements in sports or contests. Generally appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, such as award ceremonies. Not typical in conversations about non-competitive accomplishments. |
Frequently asked questions: Award vs Medal
What's the difference between Award and Medal?
Award: A prize or honor given to someone for their achievements. Medal: A small metal object that you get for winning a race or competition.
Which is more common: Award and Medal?
Award is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Award and Medal?
Medal is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Award and Medal the same CEFR level?
Award: A2, Medal: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Award and Medal?
Award: noun, Medal: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Award: She received an award for her outstanding performance in the competition. Medal: She proudly wore the gold medal she won at the championship.
Can I use Award and Medal interchangeably?
Not always. Award and Medal are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.