accolade
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “accolade” mean?
noun.an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.
SAT Usage
The term often appears in contexts related to achievement, recognition, or the arts, highlighting the importance of meritorious accomplishments. It emphasizes a formal acknowledgment of excellence, distinguishing itself from similar terms like "commendation," which may not carry the same weight of honor or prestige.
Common Confusions
Accolade implies a formal recognition of honor or achievement, while commendation usually suggests a more casual or general expression of approval without the same level of prestige.
Do not choose accolade if the context emphasizes criticism or disapproval rather than an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit.
Example Sentences
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Winning the award was the greatest accolade of her career.
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Winning the award was the highest accolade of his career.