wager
UK: ˈweɪdʒə | US: ˈweɪdʒər
n. a bet or stake in a game or contest
vt. to risk something of value on the outcome of an event
wager = wag<pledge> + er<noun suffix>
- wag (from Old English wagian, meaning "to pledge" or "to move back and forth")
- er (a noun-forming suffix indicating an agent or action)
Etymology Origin:
The word "wager" traces back to Old English wagian, which originally meant "to pledge" or "to move unsteadily." Over time, it evolved into Middle English wagen, specifically referring to staking something in a bet. The suffix "-er" was added to form a noun denoting the act or participant in such a pledge. The modern sense of "betting" emerged by the 14th century, influenced by gambling culture.
He placed a wager on the horse race.
She wagered her entire savings on the business venture.
The two friends made a friendly wager over the game's outcome.
Losing the wager cost him dearly.
Would you wager $100 on such an uncertain outcome?