stake
Pronunciation: [steɪk]
Context: "risk"
(noun) a stake is something you risk or care about in a situation. It's like when you put your money or effort into something important, and you want it to succeed.
Example
She had a lot at stake in the competition because she worked really hard to get there.
Example
He didn't seem to care about the stake in the project, so he didn't try very hard.
Example
What do you have at stake in this decision?
Context: "games"
(noun) a stake can also mean the money or something valuable that you bet in a game. When you play poker, you put money in as your stake.
Example
The stakes were high in the poker game, which made it very exciting.
Example
She didn't want to play because she didn't have enough money to cover the stakes.
Example
How much is the stake in this game?
Context: "investment"
(verb) to stake means to support someone or something by giving them money or resources. It's like helping your friend start a lemonade stand by giving them some money.
Example
They decided to stake the new restaurant because they believed in its success.
Example
He refused to stake the project when he saw the risks involved.
Example
Are you willing to stake anything in this new business idea?
Context: "construction"
(noun) a stake can also mean a strong post that you put in the ground to hold something up or mark a spot. When you set up a tent, you use stakes to keep it standing.
Example
They used stakes to secure the tent so it wouldn’t blow away.
Example
Without the stakes, the tent fell down because it wasn't stable.
Example
Where should we place the stakes to keep the tent in position?