What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
medal
Example
She won a gold medal in the Olympics for swimming. [medal: noun]
Example
He was awarded a medal of honor for his bravery in battle. [medal: noun]
trophy
Example
The team received a trophy for winning the championship game. [trophy: noun]
Example
She proudly displayed her trophy for being the top salesperson of the year. [trophy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trophy is more commonly used than medal in everyday language, especially in the context of sports and competitions. Medal is more commonly associated with the military or academic achievements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between medal and trophy?
Both medal and trophy can be used in formal and informal contexts, but medal may be considered more formal due to its association with the military and academic achievements.
