Word
wager
Phoneticswa·ger, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈweɪdʒɝ/
UK/wˈeɪdʒɐ/
Definitions
01a bet
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. an amount of money that you bet on the result of a race, game, or event.
n. a stake or pledge risked on the outcome of a contest or uncertain event. Often used in formal or legal contexts to describe the agreement itself.
“He placed a small wager on his favorite horse to win the race.”
“The two businessmen entered into a formal wager regarding the final closing price of the stock by the end of the fiscal year.”
02to bet money
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to risk money or something valuable on the result of a game or event.
v. to hazard or stake something of value on the issue of a contest or the happening of an event. Transitive, requiring a direct object representing the stake.
“She was willing to wager her entire week's salary on the outcome.”
“Few investors were brave enough to wager significant capital on such a volatile and unpredictable market segment.”
03to guess or suppose
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
v. to say that you are fairly sure something is true or will happen.
v. to venture a guess or express a high degree of confidence in a supposition. Often used as a parenthetical or introductory phrase in speech.
“I wager that they will be late again, considering the heavy traffic.”
“Given the current political climate, I would wager that the proposed legislation will face significant opposition in the senate.”
Real-World Examples
“Whether it’s golf, fishing, or shuffleboard, Craig likes to compete — but how do you wager on snorkeling?” “Finally, on a “total wager,” gamblers bet on the total points scored by both teams combined.” “Wells said she hoped clubs would end their jersey deals with wagering companies earlier, but stressed that was a commercial decision for clubs and not government.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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