reward
Definitions
Something given in return for good work, effort, or service.
回报；奖赏；酬劳（因好的工作、努力或服务而给予的东西）。
A sum of money offered for catching a criminal or returning lost property.
悬赏金（为抓捕罪犯或归还失物而提供的钱）。
To give something to someone in recognition of their effort or achievement.
奖励，酬谢（对某人的努力或成就给予回报）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + ward (watch over, the Germanic twin of gard). It once meant simply 'to regard,' then specialized: to give something back in return for faithful watching or service. The payment for being watchful became the reward.
Root gard still carries 11 more wordsWhy It Means This
Reward and regard are the same word in two coats: both are 're- + watch.' Regard kept the 'looking' meaning; reward drifted to 'what you give back for service.' That is why 'a reward' can feel like payment for keeping watch — guarding, serving, doing your duty.
Common Collocations
- 1.financial reward经济回报
- 2.offer a reward提供奖励/悬赏
- 3.reap the rewards收获回报
- 4.reward system奖励机制
- 5.well rewarded得到丰厚回报
Example Sentences
- 1.
Hard work brings its own reward in the end.
- 2.
The police offered a reward for information about the theft.
- 3.
Good companies reward loyal employees with bonuses.
Easily Confused
reward vs award — both give recognition, but an award is a prize formally granted by a panel or institution (won an award, the award ceremony); a reward is given in return for effort or service and can be money, praise, or a treat. You earn a reward; you win an award.