Pronunciation: [mˈɛdə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "medal" has an interesting spelling that may not match up with its pronunciation. The correct phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈmɛdəl/. The 'e' in the middle is pronounced as a short sound like 'e' in "get" or "bet." The 'a' in the beginning is pronounced as a short sound, almost like "mud" but without the 'd.' Finally, the 'l' at the end is pronounced softly. Don't let the tricky spelling of "medal" trip you up!
A medal is an object or ornament awarded to an individual to recognize or commemorate an achievement, honor, or distinction. Typically designed in the form of a round disc, a medal may be made from various materials such as metal, gold, silver, or bronze. It often features an embossed or engraved design on one or both sides, depicting symbols, patterns, or images that depict the purpose or significance of the award.
Medals are commonly bestowed in different fields such as sports, academics, military service, and cultural recognition. They serve as tangible symbols of accomplishment and are frequently presented to individuals or teams who have excelled in their respective areas. For instance, winners of sporting events like the Olympics or the World Cup are often awarded medals in gold, silver, and bronze respectively, to acknowledge their rank or achievement.
The significance of a medal extends beyond its physical attributes. It carries personal and societal value, signifying the recognition of hard work, talent, and dedication. Medals can be cherished possessions, often displayed or worn proudly by recipients as a testament to their accomplishments. They serve as reminders of the efforts and sacrifices made to attain a particular goal, and can motivate individuals to strive for excellence, knowing that their efforts may be acknowledged with such an honorable emblem.
A piece of metal in the form of a coin on which some figure or device is stamped-usually bestowed as an honorary reward for merit; an ancient coin.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "medal" originated from the Latin word "medālia", which means "a coin worth half a denarius". The term later evolved to refer to a piece of metal stamped with an image or design, used for various purposes such as commemoration, reward, or decoration. The word "medal" itself, in its current form, came into English from the French word "médaille" during the 16th century.
