What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bestowed
Example
The queen bestowed knighthood upon him for his bravery. [bestowed: verb]
Example
She was bestowed with the prestigious award for her outstanding contributions. [bestowed: past participle]
award
Example
He received an award for his exceptional performance in the competition. [award: noun]
Example
The committee decided to award her with a scholarship for her academic achievements. [award: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Award is more commonly used than bestowed in everyday language. Award is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, from formal ceremonies to informal recognition. Bestowed, on the other hand, is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bestowed and award?
While bestowed is typically associated with a formal and dignified tone, award is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in various levels of formality.