rewards

"Rewards" is a very common English word with two main roles — it can be a noun (a thing you receive) or a verb (an action someone does). Here are its most important and useful senses.

1nounsomething given in return for good work or behaviour

A reward is something good — like money, a prize, or praise — that you receive because you did something well or helpful. Think of it as a positive exchange: you do something good, and someone gives you something good back.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

After months of hard work, her reward was a promotion at the company.

The school gave rewards to students who improved their grades.

He felt that the reward for finishing the project was worth all the effort.

2nounmoney offered for finding something or someone

Sometimes a reward is a specific amount of money that someone offers publicly — for example, if you find a lost dog or help catch a criminal. It is a way of encouraging people to help.

everyday language / law enforcement · Modern, widely used

The family offered a reward of $500 for anyone who found their missing cat.

The police announced a reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest.

She claimed the reward after returning the lost wallet to its owner.

3verbto give someone something good because of their effort or achievement

When you reward someone, you are giving them something positive — praise, money, a gift — because they did something well. The person doing the rewarding decides to recognise the good action.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The manager rewarded the team with a bonus after they completed the project on time.

Her parents rewarded her hard study with a new laptop.

The coach rewards players who show great effort during training.

4nounfigurativethe satisfaction or benefit you get from doing something

Not all rewards are physical things. Sometimes the reward is a feeling — like happiness, pride, or a sense of meaning. This sense is often used when talking about experiences that are difficult but deeply satisfying.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

Teaching can be challenging, but the rewards of seeing students succeed are enormous.

One of the rewards of travelling is learning about different cultures.

He found great reward in volunteering at the local hospital.