Award vs. Commendation: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An "award" is a prize or honor given for an achievement, while a "commendation" is a formal statement of praise or recognition.
Key Differences
An "award" typically refers to a tangible recognition such as a trophy, certificate, or medal given for excellence in a certain field. A "commendation", however, is often a formal statement or written expression of praise, usually for an act of bravery, service, or professional merit.
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Awards often come with public recognition and sometimes monetary prizes, symbolizing achievement in competitions, artistic endeavors, or academic fields. Commendations, while also recognizing achievement or service, usually emphasize the honoring of moral, ethical, or professional conduct and are often used in military, civic, or organizational contexts.
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The process of receiving an award often involves a nomination and selection by a panel or committee, reflecting a competitive or evaluative aspect. In contrast, commendations are usually given based on observed merit or exemplary behavior and may not involve a competitive process.
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Awards are frequently associated with specific events, like ceremonies or competitions, highlighting exceptional performance or achievement in a distinct area. Commendations, while they can be presented in formal settings, often serve as official acknowledgments of consistent or notable contributions over time.
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While both awards and commendations are forms of recognition, the former is often seen as a more tangible accolade for specific achievements, and the latter as a formal acknowledgment of commendable behavior or service.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Tangible recognition (trophy, medal, certificate)
Formal statement or expression of praise
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Associated Elements
Often includes public recognition, sometimes monetary prizes
Emphasizes moral, ethical, or professional conduct
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Process of Receiving
Nomination and selection, competitive aspect
Based on observed merit, non-competitive
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Occasion of Presentation
Specific events, ceremonies
Formal settings, but can be more informal acknowledgments
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Award and Commendation Definitions
Award
A legal judgment, such as in arbitration.
The court’s award was in favor of the plaintiff.
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Commendation
An official acknowledgment of someone's contribution.
The mayor's commendation highlighted her community service.
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Award
A monetary grant given for a specific purpose.
He was thrilled to receive an award to fund his project.
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Commendation
Formal praise or recognition for an action or behavior.
The soldier received a commendation for bravery.
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Award
A token or symbol of recognition in a competition.
The athlete was proud to wear her gold medal award.
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Commendation
An accolade for ethical, moral, or professional conduct.
The officer’s commendation was for his integrity and dedication.
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Commendation
Recognition for notable service or achievement.
His years of research earned him a commendation from the scientific community.
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Award
To grant an amount or other benefit legally due
Awarded damages to the plaintiff.
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Commendation
Something, especially an official award or citation, that commends.
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Commendation
The act of commending; praise; favorable representation in words; recommendation.
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Award
(legal) A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
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Award
(legal) The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
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Award
A trophy or medal; something that denotes an accomplishment, especially in a competition. A prize or honor based on merit.
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Award
A negotiated minimum wage that is set for a particular trade or industry; an industrial award.
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Commendation
The act of commending; praise; favorable representation in words; recommendation.
Need we . . . epistles of commendation?
By the commendation of the great officers.
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Commendation
That which is the ground of approbation or praise.
Good nature is the most godlike commendation of a man.
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Award
(transitive) To give (an award).
Four or five of these medals are awarded every year.
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Commendation
A message of affection or respect; compliments; greeting.
Hark you, Margaret;No princely commendations to my king?
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Award
(transitive) To give (a person) an award.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
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Commendation
An official award (as for bravery or service) usually given as formal public statement
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Award
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case.
The arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant
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Commendation
A message expressing a favorable opinion;
Words of approval seldom passed his lips
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Award
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case; to adjudge; as, the arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant.
To reviewThe wrongful sentence, and award a new.
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Commendation
A statement or certificate praising a person's actions.
The organization issued a commendation for her volunteer work.
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Award
A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
An award had been given against.
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Award
The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
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Award
A grant made by a law court;
He criticized the awarding of compensation by the court
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Award
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
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Award
Something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery;
The prize was a free trip to Europe
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Award
Give on the basis of merit;
Funds are granted to qualified researchers
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Award
A prize given for an achievement.
She received an award for her groundbreaking research.
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Award
An honor or recognition for excellence.
The film won several awards at the international festival.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do awards always involve a physical object?
Often, but not always; they can also include titles or monetary grants.
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Can commendations be given posthumously?
Yes, commendations can be awarded posthumously.
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Can anyone receive an award?
Yes, if they meet the criteria set by the awarding body.
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Are commendations always formal?
Typically, yes, they are formal recognitions of merit or service.
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Can organizations give awards?
Yes, organizations, institutions, and committees often give awards.
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Do awards always involve a selection process?
Typically, there is a selection or evaluation process for awards.
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Is a commendation considered an honor?
Yes, it's an honor recognizing someone's commendable actions or service.
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Can a commendation be withdrawn?
Generally, commendations are not withdrawn.
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Can an award be given to a group?
Yes, awards can be given to individuals or groups.
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Are awards given for artistic achievements only?
No, awards can be given in various fields, including science, sports, and more.
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Are commendations common in the corporate world?
Yes, commendations are used to acknowledge employees' contributions.
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Do commendations have to be public?
While often public, they can also be private acknowledgments.
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Is an award legally binding?
Not usually, though legal awards in arbitration are binding.
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Are awards taxable?
Some awards, especially monetary ones, may be subject to taxation.
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Are commendations always written statements?
Mostly, but they can also be verbal or symbolized by a certificate.
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Can one receive multiple commendations?
Yes, individuals can receive multiple commendations for different actions.
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Do awards recognize long-term contributions?
Some do, while others recognize specific achievements or projects.
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Can commendations lead to career advancement?
They can positively impact one's reputation and career prospects.
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Do awards always come from professional bodies?
No, they can come from a variety of sources, including community groups.
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Is a commendation the same as a recommendation?
No, a commendation is formal praise, while a recommendation is an endorsement or suggestion.
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Dec 04, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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