C1noun5K

Stake

UK /["/steɪk/"]/US /["/steɪk/"]/

Definition

money that somebody invests in a company

In simple words: A stake is a strong post or a share in something.

Examples

  • He drove a wooden stake into the ground to mark the boundary of his property.
  • The archaeologists found an ancient stake used in construction during their excavation.
  • She put a large stake on the company’s success by investing a significant amount of money.
  • There is a high financial stake involved in this business deal.
  • The players each had a stake in the outcome of the tournament.
  • He risked his stake to win the pot in the poker game.

Usage notes

Use 'stake' when talking about interests in projects, money, or property. It's neutral, suitable for both formal and casual contexts. Avoid using 'stake' in overly casual conversations as it may sound too serious.

Grammar pattern

stake + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'stake' like a flag marking a spot, showing where you are invested.

Collocations

  • controlling
  • large
  • majority
  • have
  • own
  • acquire
  • stake in
  • big
  • high
  • low
  • play for
  • raise
  • lower
  • at stake
  • with so much at stake

Synonyms

  • investment
  • interest
  • share
  • hold

Antonyms

  • disinterest
  • detachment

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'steak', the food.
  • Using 'stake' without an object, like saying 'I have a stake' without specifying what it's in.
  • Overusing 'stake' in informal settings.