Stake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ผ
stake
[steษชk ]
Definitions
financial
A financial interest or involvement in an enterprise, especially in hope of gain.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stake |
Used when referring to a share or interest in a business or other undertaking, often implying a financial investment that could result in personal loss or gain.
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| investment |
Used when referring to the act of dedicating resources (typically money) into something with the expectation of earning a profit or achieving some sort of benefit.
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| share |
Refers specifically to a unit of ownership in a company or financial asset, often used in contexts relating to the stock market.
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| interest |
Refers to a stake, share, or concern in something, but broader than financial investments, it can also involve personal attention or involvement in an activity or situation.
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Examples of usage
- He has a stake in the success of the company.
- She decided to buy some shares and take a stake in the business.
gambling
A sum of money or something else of value gambled on the outcome of a risky game or venture.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stake |
Used when referring to an amount of money or something of value placed in a risky situation, often in contests or investments. It can also denote something valuable that is at risk in a given situation.
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| wager |
Similar to 'bet', but is more formal and often used in legal or official gambling contexts.
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| bet |
Commonly used in casual or gambling contexts where people predict an outcome and place money or other valuables on that prediction.
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| risk |
Used when talking about potential loss or danger in a variety of contexts, including investments, physical danger, or uncertain outcomes. It is often more serious and less casual than 'bet' or 'wager'.
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Examples of usage
- He placed a high stake on the blackjack table.
- The poker players raised the stakes in the final round.
claim
To claim as one's own.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stake |
Use when you want to discuss a claim, financial investment, or risk in something.
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| assert |
Use when you want to express confidently and forcefully a fact or a belief.
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| declare |
Use when making an announcement, often formally or officially.
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Examples of usage
- He staked his claim to the land by putting up a fence.
- The explorer staked his discovery by planting a flag.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, stakes often symbolize risk and ownership, reflecting both physical and metaphorical claims.
- In the story of 'The Princess Bride,' the term 'stake' is used to heighten the tension in important moments.
- Literature often uses the concept of stakes to illustrate the importance of the choices characters make.
Pop Culture
- In the TV series 'Game of Thrones', high stakes lead to dramatic turns in the storyline, emphasizing the risks involved.
- The phrase 'putting it all on the line' reflects the idea of having a stake in the outcome of a situation.
- Movies often build tension by emphasizing the stakes of a characterโs goal, whether it's a race, a heist, or a romance.
Psychology
- Thereโs an emotional connection to stakes; higher stakes can lead to increased stress but also greater motivation.
- People are more likely to take risks when they feel personal stakes in a situation, which can influence decision-making.
- Understanding stakes can help in conflict resolution, as people may be more willing to compromise when they feel their interests are acknowledged.
Science
- In ecological studies, stakes can refer to markers used to study growth patterns of plants.
- Scientists often use stakes in experiments to highlight specific areas of study, similar to marking a plot in gardening.
- In physics, working with stakes can be relevant in experiments that require precise measurements in field studies.
Origin of 'stake'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'stake' comes from the Old English 'staca', meaning a post or pole.
- It has been used for centuries in various languages, often describing sharp objects driven into the ground.
- In medieval times, stakes were often used for boundary marking or as supports for crops.
The word 'stake' originated from the Old English 'staca' meaning a strong stick or post, often used to mark boundaries or secure something. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a financial interest or involvement in a venture, as well as a sum of money gambled on a risky venture. The verb form 'stake' has roots in the idea of marking or claiming something as one's own, often with a physical marker like a stake or flag.
See also: stakeholder, staking.
Word Frequency Rank
At #5,655 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
- 5652 textile
- 5653 limb
- 5654 stolen
- 5655 stake
- 5656 invented
- 5657 assignments
- 5658 moderately
- ...