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wager

risk · vague

Eine Abmachung, bei der zwei oder mehr Personen Geld oder etwas Wertvolles darauf setzen, dass ein bestimmtes Ereignis eintritt oder nicht eintritt.

Definition & meaning

Wager is an English word, not a standard modern German word.

It has two related meanings:

  1. Noun: a bet or amount of money risked on the result of an uncertain event.

    • German: die Wette , der Einsatz
    • Example: He placed a wager on the horse. = Er platzierte eine Wette auf das Pferd.

  2. Verb: to bet or risk something on a particular outcome.

    • German: wetten
    • Example: I wager that he will arrive late. = Ich wette, dass er zu spät kommt.

As a verb, wager can also mean “to state confidently,” similar to “I bet” or “I am sure.”

Grammar & Word origin

  • wager — noun: “a bet”
  • to wager — verb: “to bet”
  • Plural: wagers
  • Third-person singular: wagers
  • Past tense and past participle: wagered
  • Present participle: wagering

The word comes from Anglo-French and Old North French, related to a pledge or guarantee. It is historically connected with the idea of something given as security in a bet.

Synonyms & antonyms

English synonyms

  • bet — the usual and more common word; wager can sound slightly more formal.
  • stake — usually emphasizes the money or property risked.
  • gamble — emphasizes risk and uncertainty, often more strongly than wager.

German equivalents and related words

  • die Wette — the direct noun equivalent of “bet” or “wager.”
  • wetten — the direct verb equivalent.
  • der Einsatz — the money or object placed at risk, rather than the bet itself.
  • riskieren — “to risk”; broader than wetten , because it does not necessarily involve a bet.

There is no exact antonym. Depending on the context, possible opposites include:

  • auf etwas verzichten — to refrain from or give up something
  • sicher sein — to be certain, rather than taking a risk
  • nicht wetten — not to bet

Common phrases & collocations

  • to place a wager — to make a bet
    German: eine Wette abschließen

  • a friendly wager — a harmless bet made for fun
    German: eine freundschaftliche Wette

  • a substantial wager — a large or significant bet
    German: ein hoher Einsatz

  • I wager that … — “I bet that …” or “I am quite sure that …”
    German: Ich wette, dass …

  • to wager money on something — to bet money on an outcome
    German: Geld auf etwas setzen

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Examples

Wir sollen niemals zu viel wagen.other

We should never risk too much.

Seine Antwort wurde mit der Zeit vager.other

His answer became vaguer over time.

Trotz vager Hinweise fand die Polizei den Ort nicht.other

Despite vague clues, the police did not find the location.

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