Cool MateAward vs Trophy
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Award
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Trophy
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Most common: Award
| Award | Trophy | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈwɔːd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈwɔːrd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈtrəʊfi/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈtrəʊfi/"]/ |
| Meaning | A prize or honor given to someone for their achievements. | An award given for winning a competition. |
| Example | She received an award for her outstanding performance in the competition. | a trophy cabinet |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| 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 | coveted, prestigious, major, lift, pick up, receive, cabinet, case, room, trophy for, coveted, prestigious, major, lift, pick up, receive, cabinet, case, room, trophy for |
| Antonyms | penalty, punishment | loss, defeat |
| 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. | Confusing 'trophy' with 'award' — a trophy is a specific type of award., Using 'trophy' as a verb — it's only a noun. |
| 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 in sports and competitions. Appropriate in both spoken and written contexts. Avoid using in formal writing when referring to figurative achievements. |
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Frequently asked questions: Award vs Trophy
What's the difference between Award and Trophy?
Award: A prize or honor given to someone for their achievements. Trophy: An award given for winning a competition.
Which is more common: Award and Trophy?
Award is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Award and Trophy?
Trophy is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Award and Trophy the same CEFR level?
Award: A2, Trophy: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Award and Trophy?
Award: noun, Trophy: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Award: She received an award for her outstanding performance in the competition. Trophy: a trophy cabinet
Can I use Award and Trophy interchangeably?
Not always. Award and Trophy 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.