Bet: meaning, definitions and examples
🎲
bet
[bet ]
Definitions
sports betting
An agreement between two parties that a sum of money or other valuable item will be paid to the party who correctly predicts the outcome of an event.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bet |
Also used in everyday language as a synonym for 'sure' or 'confident'.
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| wager |
A formal or less common term for placing a bet, often used in legal or structured environments.
|
| gamble |
Used when taking a risky action where the outcome is uncertain, often with a negative connotation due to potential for loss.
|
| stake |
Used when someone has something of value at risk, often in a more formal or serious context.
|
Examples of usage
- I placed a bet on the horse race yesterday.
- He won a lot of money through sports betting.
betting on a game
To risk money on the outcome of an event or contest, typically with the hope of gaining money or material goods.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bet |
Commonly used in daily conversation to imply taking a risk on an outcome, often informally. It can also be used in a more literal sense related to placing money on an event.
|
| gamble |
More specific to risking something valuable, usually money, on an uncertain outcome. Often has a negative connotation because it can imply irresponsibility or addiction.
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| wager |
Formal and often related to specific rules or agreements usually involving money. It is often used in legal or professional contexts.
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| stake |
Involves investing a significant amount of something valuable, such as money or time. It is usually used in more serious or high-stakes situations, often with a higher perceived risk.
|
Examples of usage
- She bet on the roulette table and won big.
- I wouldn't bet on that team winning the championship.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'bet' comes from the Middle English term 'betten', which meant to lay down a wager.
- The origins can be traced back to the Old English word 'beot', which refers to a vow or promise, particularly in a contest.
History
- Betting dates back to ancient civilizations, where people would place wagers on animal fights and gladiatorial contests.
- The first recorded instance of a sports bet was documented during a horse race in ancient Greece, over 2,500 years ago.
Psychology
- Research shows that betting can trigger dopamine release in the brain, making it feel rewarding, similar to a thrill-seeking activity.
- Gamblers often experience a phenomenon known as the 'gambler's fallacy', where they believe that previous outcomes will influence future results.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'Rounders' and '21' showcase the high-stakes world of betting and the strategies players use to win.
- The phrase 'you bet' has entered everyday language, expressing agreement or certainty in various contexts.
Law & Ethics
- Many places have legal regulations around betting, especially related to age limits and types of games allowed.
- Ethical discussions around betting often center on addiction and the responsibility of gambling institutions to protect individuals.
Translations
Translations of the word "bet" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aposta
- aposta (jogo)
- aposta (risco)
🇮🇳 शर्त
- बाज़ी
- दांव
🇩🇪 Wette
- Einsatz
- Wagnis
🇮🇩 taruhan
- taruhan (perjudian)
- taruhan (risiko)
🇺🇦 ставка
- парі
- ризик
🇵🇱 zakład
- zakład (hazard)
- zakład (ryzyko)
🇯🇵 賭け
- 賭け金
- リスク
🇫🇷 pari
- mise
- pari (risque)
🇪🇸 apuesta
- apuesta (juego)
- apuesta (riesgo)
🇹🇷 bahis
- bahis (oyun)
- bahis (risk)
🇰🇷 내기
- 내기 (도박)
- 내기 (위험)
🇸🇦 رهان
- رهان (لعبة)
- رهان (مخاطرة)
🇨🇿 sázka
- sázka (hazard)
- sázka (riziko)
🇸🇰 stávka
- stávka (hazard)
- stávka (riziko)
🇨🇳 赌注
- 赌注 (赌博)
- 赌注 (风险)
🇸🇮 stavek
- stava
- tveganje
🇮🇸 veðmál
- veðmál (leikur)
- veðmál (áhætta)
🇰🇿 бәс
- бәстесу
- тәуекел
🇬🇪 ფსონი
- ფსონი (თამაში)
- ფსონი (რისკი)
🇦🇿 mərc
- mərc (oyun)
- mərc (risk)
🇲🇽 apuesta
- apuesta (juego)
- apuesta (riesgo)