definition
strict definition
award
A recognition whose intent is primarily to confer honor or praise on its recipient.
An award is a recognition given with the primary intent of conferring honor or praise on its recipient. It can take the form of a prize, with some sort of physical or monetary award, or it may simply bestow a documented recognition of its honorable qualities.
A physical prize or payment can accompany the honor, but documented recognition alone can constitute an award. The intent to praise the recipient is the common feature.
A certificate primarily acknowledges or documents a quality or achievement. An award primarily honors the recipient, even when its presentation also documents the achievement.
