Gift vs. Prize — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 12, 2024
A gift is a voluntarily given item without expectation of return, while a prize is an award given for winning or achieving something.
Difference Between Gift and Prize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gifts are often given out of affection, gratitude, or social obligation, symbolizing a personal connection between giver and recipient. They can be presented on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or holidays, and the intent is usually to bring joy or comfort. Prizes, conversely, are awards granted as recognition for an achievement, often as a result of winning a contest, competition, or lottery.
Gifts do not require the recipient to have accomplished a specific task or competition. Prizes serve as a form of motivation or reward for specific accomplishments and are tied to the recipient's performance or luck. They can range from trophies and medals to cash and goods.
While gifts emphasize the relationship and thoughtfulness of the giver, prizes focus on the recipient's achievement or luck. The giving of a gift is an act of generosity, whereas the awarding of a prize is an acknowledgment of merit or fortune.
Gifts can be personalized, reflecting the giver's understanding and consideration of the recipient's tastes and needs. Prizes, however, are generally predetermined and the same for anyone who meets the winning criteria, focusing more on the significance of the achievement than on personal preferences.
Despite their differences, both gifts and prizes play important roles in human interactions, fostering relationships, encouraging effort and excellence, and bringing joy and satisfaction to recipients.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To show affection, gratitude, or fulfill a social obligation.
To recognize achievement or luck.
Expectation
No expectation of return.
Tied to achievement or winning.
Occasion
Birthdays, weddings, holidays, etc.
Contests, competitions, lotteries.
Personalization
Often personalized to the recipient's tastes.
Generally not personalized; focused on the achievement.
Significance
Symbolizes personal connection and thoughtfulness.
Acknowledges merit or luck
Compare with Definitions
Gift
A present given to someone out of affection, without expecting anything in return.
He gave her a book as a gift for her birthday.
Prize
Serves as motivation for participation or excellence.
The prize at the end of the sales quarter motivated the team.
Gift
Reflects the giver's desire to make the recipient happy.
Their gift of a charity donation in my name was thoughtful.
Prize
Something won in a lottery or the like.
The grand prize of the raffle was a new car.
Gift
Can be used to strengthen or establish a relationship.
The company sent gifts to clients as a token of appreciation.
Prize
Often comes as a trophy, title, money, or certificate.
The prize for the marathon winner was a medal and a cash reward.
Gift
An act of giving something as a present.
Giving gifts on Christmas is a long-standing tradition.
Prize
Recognition for an achievement.
The Nobel Prize is awarded for outstanding contributions in various fields.
Gift
Something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation.
The handmade scarf was a gift from her grandmother.
Prize
An award given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition.
She won the first prize in the art competition.
Gift
A gift or a present is an item given to someone without the expectation of payment or anything in return. An item is not a gift if that item is already owned by the one to whom it is given.
Prize
A prize is an award to be given to a person, a group of people like a sports team, or organization to recognize and reward actions or achievements. Official prizes often involve monetary rewards as well as the fame that comes with them.
Gift
Something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation
I received several gifts for my birthday. Your gift of $100 is greatly appreciated.
Prize
Something offered or won as an award for superiority or victory, as in a contest or competition.
Gift
The act of giving
The painting came into their possession by gift.
Prize
Something offered or won in a lottery or similar game of chance.
Gift
A talent, endowment, aptitude, or inclination
She has a gift for playing the piano.
Prize
Something worth striving for; a highly desirable possession.
Gift
To present something as a gift to
Gifted his niece with a watch.
Prize
Something seized by force or taken as booty, especially an enemy ship and its cargo captured at sea during wartime.
Gift
To give as a gift
"King Charles II ... had gifted the land of Carolina to certain members of his court" (Marilyn Yalom).
Prize
Chiefly Southern US Something used as a lever or for prying.
Gift
To endow with
Nature has gifted her with a fine voice.
Prize
Offered or given as a prize
A prize cup.
Gift
Something given to another voluntarily, without charge.
Prize
Given a prize, or likely to win a prize
A prize cow.
Gift
A talent or natural ability.
She had a gift for playing the flute.
Prize
Worthy of a prize; first-class
Our prize azaleas.
Gift
Something gained incidentally, without effort.
Prize
To value highly; esteem or treasure.
Gift
The act, right, or power of giving or bestowing.
The office is in the gift of the President.
Prize
To estimate the worth of; evaluate.
Gift
(transitive) To give as a gift or donation.
Prize
To move or force with a lever; pry
Prized open the antique chest.
Gift
(transitive) To give away, to concede easily.
Prize
That which is taken from another; something captured; a thing seized by force, stratagem, or superior power.
Gift
Anything given; anything voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation; a present; an offering.
Shall I receive by gift, what of my own, . . .I can command ?
Prize
Anything captured by a belligerent using the rights of war; especially, property captured at sea in virtue of the rights of war, as a vessel.
Gift
The act, right, or power of giving or bestowing; as, the office is in the gift of the President.
Prize
An honour or reward striven for in a competitive contest; anything offered to be competed for, or as an inducement to, or reward of, effort.
Gift
A bribe; anything given to corrupt.
Neither take a gift, for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise.
Prize
That which may be won by chance, as in a lottery.
Gift
Some exceptional inborn quality or characteristic; a striking or special talent or aptitude; power; faculty; as, the gift of wit; a gift for speaking.
Prize
Anything worth striving for; a valuable possession held or in prospect.
Gift
A voluntary transfer of real or personal property, without any consideration. It can be perfected only by deed, or in case of personal property, by an actual delivery of possession.
Prize
(obsolete) A contest for a reward; competition.
Gift
To endow with some power or faculty. See gift{4}.
He was gifted . . . with philosophical sagacity.
Prize
A lever; a pry; also, the hold of a lever.
Gift
Something acquired without compensation
Prize
Obsolete form of price
Gift
Natural qualities or talents
Prize
To consider highly valuable; to esteem.
Gift
The act of giving
Prize
(obsolete) To set or estimate the value of; to appraise; to price; to rate.
Gift
Give qualities or abilities to
Prize
To move with a lever; to force up or open; to prise or pry.
Gift
Give as a present; make a gift of;
What will you give her for her birthday?
Prize
(obsolete) To compete in a prizefight.
Prize
Having won a prize; award-winning.
A prize vegetable
Prize
; exceptional.
He was a prize fool.
Prize
That which is taken from another; something captured; a thing seized by force, stratagem, or superior power.
I will depart my pris, or my prey, by deliberation.
His own prize,Whom formerly he had in battle won.
Prize
Anything captured by a belligerent using the rights of war; esp., property captured at sea in virtue of the rights of war, as a vessel.
I'll never wrestle for prize more.
I fought and conquered, yet have lost the prize.
Prize
That which may be won by chance, as in a lottery.
Prize
Anything worth striving for; a valuable possession held or in prospect.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Prize
A contest for a reward; competition.
Prize
A lever; a pry; also, the hold of a lever.
Prize
Estimation; valuation.
Prize
To move with a lever; to force up or open; to pry.
Prize
To set or estimate the value of; to appraise; to price; to rate.
A goodly price that I was prized at.
I prize it [life] not a straw, but for mine honor.
Prize
To value highly; to estimate to be of great worth; to esteem.
I prized your person, but your crown disdain.
Prize
Something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery;
The prize was a free trip to Europe
Prize
Goods or money obtained illegally
Prize
Something given as a token of victory
Prize
Hold dear;
I prize these old photographs
Prize
To move or force, especially in an effort to get something open;
The burglar jimmied the lock
Raccoons managed to pry the lid off the garbage pail
Prize
Regard highly; think much of;
I respect his judgement
We prize his creativity
Prize
Of superior grade;
Choice wines
Prime beef
Prize carnations
Quality paper
Select peaches
Common Curiosities
Can the value of a gift and a prize be compared?
The value of a gift lies in its sentiment and thoughtfulness, whereas the value of a prize often reflects the level of achievement it recognizes.
What distinguishes a gift from a prize?
A gift is given voluntarily out of affection or social obligation without expecting something in return, while a prize is awarded for an achievement or winning.
Can a prize be considered a gift?
While a prize can be seen as a gift in a broad sense, its primary purpose is to recognize achievement, distinguishing it from a traditional gift.
How do cultural perceptions of gifts and prizes differ?
Cultural perceptions vary, but generally, gifts are seen as expressions of personal relationships, while prizes signify public recognition of achievement.
Is it appropriate to give a prize as a gift?
Giving a prize as a personal gift is unusual since prizes are typically associated with competition or achievement.
How should one choose a gift?
A gift should be chosen based on the recipient's interests, needs, and the giver's relationship with them, reflecting thoughtfulness and personal connection.
Can anyone give a gift?
Yes, anyone can give a gift, regardless of their relationship to the recipient, as it is an act of kindness or social custom.
Why are gifts given without expectation of return?
Gifts are expressions of affection or social gestures meant to convey appreciation or connection, not to initiate a transaction or obligation.
What role do prizes play in society?
Prizes incentivize and reward achievement, excellence, or luck, encouraging competition and innovation.
What makes a prize valuable?
A prize's value comes from the recognition and honor it bestows upon the recipient for their achievements.
How do competitions impact the perception of prizes?
Competitions elevate the perception of prizes, making them symbols of victory, excellence, or luck, depending on the context.
Can the act of giving a prize influence the giver?
Giving a prize can reinforce the giver's role as a supporter of excellence and achievement, fostering a sense of contribution to others' success.
What impact do gifts have on relationships?
Gifts can strengthen bonds, express care, and build goodwill between individuals, enhancing personal connections.
Who decides what constitutes a prize?
Prizes are usually determined by the organizers of a competition or contest, based on the criteria of achievement or success they set.
Is receiving a gift always pleasant?
While receiving a gift is generally pleasant, it can sometimes create feelings of obligation or discomfort if perceived as too lavish or inappropriate.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
