Stake

Definition

Stake can refer to a strong stick or rod driven into the ground to support a structure, or a share or interest in a business, venture, or activity.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English:

• IPA Pronunciation: /steɪk/
• Respelling: STAKE (with "STAKE" rhyming with "cake" and "lake")

British English:

• IPA Pronunciation: /steɪk/
• Respelling: STAKE (similar to American English, with "STAKE" rhyming with "cake" and "lake")

In both dialects, "stake" is pronounced with a long "a" sound, as in "cake" or "lake." The pronunciation of "stake" is consistent between American and British English, clearly reflecting the word's straightforward phonetic structure.

Etymology

The word "stake" comes from Old English "staca", akin to Old Norse "staka" meaning a stick or post. The business interest meaning originated in the 18th century.

Derivatives

• Stakeholder
• Staking
• Restake
• Unstake
• Stakeout

Synonyms

• Post (referring to a rod)
• Share (referring to interest)
• Interest (referring to business/venture interest)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

"Stake" has a versatile usage in English, representing both a physical object and a conceptual interest in something. It's commonly used in construction or other physical settings, as well as in business or venture contexts.

Related Terms

• Claim
• Share
• Interest
• Investment
• Support

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Physical Stake: A strong stick or post with a pointed end, especially one driven into the ground to support a plant or structure.
• Example: "The tomato plants were tied to stakes to keep them upright."

• Business/Venture Stake: An interest or share in an undertaking, especially a financial involvement in a business or similar venture.
• Example: "He bought a stake in the new startup hoping for a significant return on investment."

Verb

• Staking: To support with a stake or stakes.
• Example: "She staked the young tree to help it withstand the wind."

• Investing: To invest money in a business.
• Example: "He staked his entire savings in the risky venture."