Bounty vs. reward: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Bounty usually implies a reward that is often offered by an authority for the capture of criminals, discovery of something valuable, or for fulfilling a specific task; it has a connotation of being official and sometimes large or generous. Reward is a more general term that can be used for compensation or recognition in many contexts, both formal and informal, and is not necessarily large or official.
What they have in common
Both bounty and reward refer to something given in recognition of effort, achievement, or service. They are often used in contexts where someone is being compensated for a deed, and both can serve as motivation for action.
Examples
bounty
- The sheriff offered a bounty for the capture of the escaped convict.
- The bounty on his head grew larger every year.
- The company announced a bounty for anyone who discovered security flaws in their software.
reward
- She received a reward for returning the lost wallet.
- The scientist earned a reward for her groundbreaking research.
- There is a reward posted for information leading to the missing dog.
Which one is more common?
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