prêmio

Prêmio is a Portuguese noun that denotes a prize or award given to recognize achievement, merit, or performance. Prizes can be monetary, symbolic, or ceremonial and are awarded in diverse contexts such as sports, arts, science, and academia. The term derives from the Latin praemium and is cognate with the Spanish premio and the Italian premio. The masculine singular form is o prêmio and the plural os prêmios. The verb to award is premiar; the noun for the act of awarding is premiação; the person who receives the prize is premiado (also sometimes premiante or vencedor in context).

In use, premiar means to award or reward; premiados are the recipients of prizes. Prizes are conferred by a variety of bodies, including organizations, foundations, companies, governmental agencies, and cultural institutions. They may include prize money, diplomas, trophies, medals, or scholarships. The term distinguishes the prize itself from the act of awarding (premiação). The principal prize is often referred to as o prêmio principal or o grande prêmio.

Notable examples in the Portuguese-speaking world include Prêmio Camões, one of the most prestigious awards for Portuguese-language literature, and Prêmio Jabuti, a major Brazilian literary prize. Across fields there are numerous sectoral prizes in science, technology, culture, and sports. The concept of prêmio thus functions as a broad designation for formal recognition and reward of achievement.