ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wages

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate US //ˈweɪdʒəz// UK //wˈeɪdʒɪz// wages

n. the money you get paid for the work you do, usually calculated by the hour or the week.

n. a fixed regular payment, typically paid on a daily or weekly basis, made by an employer to an employee. Often contrasted with 'salary', which implies a fixed annual sum.


SIMPLE

The workers are demanding higher wages for their overtime.

CONTEXTUAL

Many students take part-time jobs during the summer to earn extra wages for their university fees.

COMPLEX

Economists argue that while nominal wages have risen, the real purchasing power of the average worker has remained stagnant due to the rising cost of living.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually plural in modern usage when referring to money earned. The singular 'wage' is common when used as a modifier, such as in 'minimum wage'.

Pitfall

He earns a high wagesHe earns high wagesWhen referring to the total money earned, 'wages' is plural and does not take the indefinite article 'a'.

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