The difference between Reinforce and Reward

When used as verbs, reinforce means to strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation, whereas reward means to give a reward to or for.


Reward is also noun with the meaning: something of value given in return for an act.

check bellow for the other definitions of Reinforce and Reward

  1. Reinforce as a verb (transitive):

    To strengthen, especially by addition or augmentation.

    Examples:

    "He reinforced the handle with a metal rod and a bit of tape."

  2. Reinforce as a verb (transitive):

    To emphasize or review.

    Examples:

    "The right homework will reinforce and complement the lesson!"

  3. Reinforce as a verb (transitive):

    To encourage (a behavior or idea) through repeated stimulus.

    Examples:

    "Advertising for fast food can reinforce unhealthy dietary tendencies."

  1. Reward as a noun:

    Something of value given in return for an act.

    Examples:

    "For catching the thief, you'll get a nice reward."

    "synonyms: payment recompense tithing meed"

  2. Reward as a noun:

    A prize promised for a certain deed or catch

    Examples:

    "The rewards for bringing in badly wanted criminals are printed on 'dead or alive' posters"

    "synonyms: bounty"

  3. Reward as a noun:

    The result of an action, whether good or bad.

    Examples:

    "Is this the reward I get for telling the truth: to be put in jail?"

    "synonyms: consequence"

  1. Reward as a verb (transitive):

    To give a reward to or for.

    Examples:

    "Why are you rewarding the child for misbehaving?"

    "Why are you rewarding that bad behaviour?"

  2. Reward as a verb (transitive):

    To recompense.

    Examples:

    "Decorations are meant to reward the most meritous acts and services."

  3. Reward as a verb (obsolete, transitive):

    To give (something) as a reward.