Wage

Definition

Wage is a noun referring to a fixed regular payment, typically paid on a daily or weekly basis, made by an employer to an employee, especially for manual or unskilled work. As a verb, it means to engage in or carry on a conflict, campaign, or struggle.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /weɪdʒ/
• Respelling: WAYJ

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /weɪdʒ/
• Respelling: WAYJ

Etymology

The word "wage" originates from Middle English "wage" or "wagien," derived from Old French "gage" or "wage," meaning "a pledge or payment," and from Frankish "wadi," meaning "pledge." It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe regular payments for labor.

Derivatives

• Wager (noun/verb)
• Waged (adjective)
• Wageless (adjective)
• Wage-earner (noun)
• Wagework (noun)

Synonyms

• Salary
• Payment
• Compensation

Antonyms

• Unpaid
• Debt
• None

Usage

The noun "wage" is commonly used to describe regular earnings, as in "The company offers competitive wages." As a verb, it refers to engaging in an effort or struggle, such as "The activists waged a campaign for climate action."

Related Terms

• Salary: A fixed regular payment, typically monthly, made to employees.
• Income: Money received on a regular basis from work or investments.
• Compensation: Payment or benefits provided for work or services.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A fixed regular payment for labor: Refers to earnings provided to employees.
  • Example: "The minimum wage was recently increased."
• Historical or metaphorical usage: Refers to a reward or consequence of actions.
  • Example: "The wages of sin is death."

Verb

• To carry on or engage in a conflict, campaign, or struggle: Refers to active participation in efforts or disputes.
  • Example: "The organization is waging a fight against poverty."