Stake Meaning

Stake

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A share or interest in a business, investment, or outcome, often involving risk or potential gain.
2. A post or rod, typically pointed at one end, used for supporting something or marking a position.
3. A personal or emotional involvement or concern in a situation or decision.
4. In a wager or bet, the amount of money or value placed at risk.

History and Origin

The word “stake” originates from the Old English staca, meaning “a post or pillar,” and it has Germanic roots. Over time, it expanded in usage to include the concept of a wager or personal interest. The idea of risk or investment associated with the term likely derives from its use in gambling, where money was metaphorically staked or placed on the line for potential gain or loss.

Detailed Explanation

“Stake” is a versatile word used in various contexts. In business or investments, it refers to a portion of ownership or a share in the outcome, often associated with risk. In a physical sense, a stake is a sharp object used for support or to mark boundaries. The word also refers to personal involvement, indicating that someone has a “stake” in the success or failure of a situation. In gambling or betting, the stake is the amount wagered, representing the risk taken in the hope of gaining more.

Example Sentences

1. He has a large stake in the company and hopes it will continue to grow.
2. They planted a stake in the ground to mark the boundary of their property.
3. The decision to launch the new product involves a significant financial stake.
4. She had a personal stake in ensuring the project succeeded.
5. The two friends decided to wager a stake on the outcome of the game.
6. The investors took a big risk by increasing their stake in the startup.
7. The stakes were high, with the future of the business on the line.
8. The company raised funds by selling stakes to outside investors.
9. He was nervous about placing such a large stake on the uncertain outcome.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Share – A portion or part of something, especially in terms of investment or ownership.
2. Interest – A personal or financial involvement or stake in an outcome or situation.
3. Investment – The action or process of committing money or resources to a venture, often involving a stake.
4. Risk – The possibility of loss or gain, associated with the concept of having a stake in something.
5. Bet – A wager or risk taken in a gambling or competitive context, similar to a stake in a contest.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Equity – Ownership interest in a business, often similar to having a stake in the company.
2. Collateral – Something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, akin to having a stake in the repayment.
3. Ownership – The act or state of possessing something, often linked to having a stake.
4. Participation – Being involved or having a part in a situation, much like holding a stake.
5. Profit – The financial gain made from an investment or venture, often dependent on one’s stake in it.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Capital – The wealth or assets invested in a business or venture, linked to the stake one holds.
2. Risk – The exposure to danger or loss, often associated with having a stake in something uncertain.
3. Pledge – A formal commitment or promise, sometimes involving a stake in the outcome.
4. Shares – A unit of ownership in a company, often used interchangeably with stakes in investment contexts.
5. Dividend – A portion of the profits distributed to stakeholders in a business, depending on the stake held.

Antonyms

1. Non-involvement
2. Indifference
3. Disinterest
4. Lack
5. Exclusion