Stake Meaning
Stake Definition & Usage
A pointed piece of wood or metal driven into the ground, often used for support, marking boundaries, or securing something.
Examples
- "He drove a stake into the ground to mark the corner of the garden."
- "The wooden stakes were lined up along the property line to prevent trespassing."
- "We used metal stakes to hold the fence in place during the storm."
- "A large stake was driven into the earth, signifying the beginning of the new construction project."
- "The campers used stakes to secure their tents against the wind."
An interest or share in a business, project, or endeavor, usually involving a financial investment.
Examples
- "He bought a 20% stake in the new tech startup."
- "The company is offering stakes to investors in exchange for capital."
- "After years of hard work, she finally gained a significant stake in the company."
- "The government has a large stake in the national energy sector."
- "Investors are hoping to see a return on their stakes in the coming years."
Something that is at risk or has value in a particular situation, often implying that the outcome will affect the person involved.
Examples
- "The company has a lot at stake in this upcoming election."
- "In the final game, the team had everything at stake, including their championship title."
- "With his reputation on the line, he had a personal stake in the success of the project."
- "She placed her career at stake by supporting the controversial decision."
- "The charity has a significant stake in the government's new funding policy."
To risk or put something valuable into a particular situation, often with the expectation of gaining something in return.
Examples
- "He staked his savings on the success of the new business."
- "The team staked their hopes on a strong performance in the final game."
- "They decided to stake everything on their new product launch."
- "The investor staked a large sum of money into the startup, hoping it would succeed."
- "She staked her reputation by backing the controversial decision."
Cultural Context
The word 'stake' has evolved significantly over time. Originally meaning a sharpened post used for practical purposes like marking or securing, its figurative uses related to financial interests and personal risks have developed with the rise of business and investment terminology.
The Last Stake
Story
The Last Stake
It was a quiet afternoon in the small town of Armonville, and the old stone quarry at the edge of town was about to be auctioned off. For years, the quarry had been a hub of economic activity, but now it lay dormant, waiting for a new owner. The auction had drawn several potential buyers, each with their own stake in the deal. John was one of those interested parties, though his motivations were far from purely financial. He had grown up in Armonville, and the quarry had been a significant part of his childhood. He remembered the workers, the noise, the dust — and he also remembered the stake his father had placed in the business years ago. It had been a gamble, a risky venture that paid off in the end, but it had also cost him dearly. Now, John stood on the outskirts of the auction, his heart heavy with both excitement and trepidation. He had a personal stake in the success of the quarry, but it wasn’t just about the money. It was about legacy, about restoring something that had once meant so much to his family. As the auctioneer started the bidding, John stepped forward, his bid ready. The bids came quickly, each one higher than the last, but John remained focused. He knew that if he didn’t win the quarry, it could be sold to someone who had no connection to the town. And that was a risk he couldn’t take. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the auction ended. John had placed the final, highest bid. The quarry was his. As he walked away from the auction block, he couldn’t help but think about the stakes he had risked in this deal. There was a lot on the line — not just for him, but for the entire town. But he was willing to take that risk, because for him, the quarry wasn’t just an investment; it was a piece of history that needed to be preserved. As he drove back to the town center, John reflected on how much was at stake for Armonville. It wasn’t just about the future of the quarry, but the future of the town itself. And now, with his investment secured, he felt a sense of responsibility — and a hope that this small step could lead to something much bigger. The town’s fate was now tied to his stake in the quarry, and he knew he had to make it work.
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