Medal Meaning
Medal Definition & Usage
A flat, typically circular piece of metal, awarded as a prize, honor, or recognition, often for achievement in a sport, competition, or specific accomplishment.
Examples
- "She won a gold medal in the 100-meter race."
- "The team received silver medals for their performance in the championship."
- "After years of dedication, he finally earned a medal for his contributions to science."
- "The athlete was proud to wear her Olympic medal during the ceremony."
- "He proudly displayed his medal for bravery on the wall of his living room."
To award a medal to someone as a recognition of their accomplishment.
Examples
- "The coach medaled the players after their victory."
- "At the ceremony, the president medaled the scientists for their groundbreaking discoveries."
- "She medaled in the competition, receiving praise for her outstanding performance."
- "After years of hard work, he was finally medaled for his bravery in the line of duty."
- "The children were excited to see their friend medal at the school’s annual sports day."
Cultural Context
Medals have a long history, originally used as currency in ancient times before evolving into symbols of achievement. They are especially prominent in the Olympic Games, military honors, and academic competitions. Medals are a universal form of recognition, transcending cultures and often associated with hard work, sacrifice, and excellence.
The Medal of Courage
Story
The Medal of Courage
The sun was setting over the small village, casting a warm golden hue over the ceremony being held at the local community center. Young Jack had never expected such an honor. As the mayor stood before him, holding out a gleaming medal, the crowd fell silent. This was the moment that Jack had dreamed about ever since he had joined the fire department. His actions had saved the lives of three children trapped in a burning building, and now, he was being recognized for his bravery. The mayor's voice echoed through the hall as he announced, 'Jack Thompson is being awarded the Medal of Courage for his selfless heroism.' A cheer broke out from the crowd as Jack stepped forward to accept the medal, his hands trembling slightly with excitement and humility. He glanced at the shiny gold piece, realizing that it was more than just a decoration—it was a symbol of the sacrifice he had made. Later that evening, Jack sat alone in his room, the medal resting on his desk. It gleamed under the soft light of his lamp, reminding him of everything he had overcome. 'It’s just a medal,' he thought, 'but it means everything to those kids.' He knew that this recognition was not just for him—it was for the entire team who had worked tirelessly to save lives. The next morning, Jack was once again back at the firehouse, his usual routine unfolding. But now, there was a sense of pride in his heart that hadn’t been there before. He wasn’t just another firefighter; he was a hero with a medal to prove it. And though the medal hung quietly in the corner of his room, it served as a daily reminder of the courage it took to save lives, and the honor that came with it.
