bet
English meaning: Bet
Definition
A wager, an agreement between two parties that a stake (usually money) will be paid by the loser to the winner (the winner being the one who correctly forecast the outcome of an event).
Example
“Dylan owes Fletcher $30 from an unsuccessful bet.”
Another example: “Buying property in that area is a safe bet for long-term investors.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A common noun and verb in gambling and everyday speech. As a noun, you 'place', 'make', or 'win' a bet. Informally 'a safe bet' means a likely outcome, and 'you bet!' is an enthusiastic yes. 'Bet' is also slang for agreement among younger speakers.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
Of uncertain origin, recorded from the late 16th century, possibly a shortening of 'abet' or from an underworld slang term.
Synonyms
- stake
- staking
- stakes
- risking
- hazarding
- wager
Related Words
- gimel
- bettor
- alef
- unmask
- bets
- centric
- wager
- payout
- betting
- shaved
Common Collocations
- place a bet
- make a bet
- win a bet
- a safe bet
- lose a bet
- hedge your bets
Word Forms
bet (n); bets (pl); bet/betted (past); betting; bettor (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B