Do You Have a Stake in Your Steak? (2024)

Steak or stake? I've seen several people trip up on these words and which one to use properly in a sentence. So I'm compelled to write this article.

My favorite Ireland trip memory is when we traveled with our then-7-year old son, who exclaimed to the entire bus of passengers after seeing a bunch of cows, “Mmmmmm, steak!” I have to admit, I ate a lot of steak when I was pregnant with him. In this sentence, the word “steak” is correct - it’s merely a slice of meat.That's all this word means.

But the other word “stake,” which sounds just like "steak," has numerous meanings, such as a stick or pole, to separate, a wager or commercial interest, and more. The word "stake" can be a noun or a verb. All you really need to remember is the word "steak" is a piece of meat; any other sentence will require the word "stake."

Thanks todictionary.com, I’m able to copy and paste all the definitions for the word “stake” for you. After all, I have a stake in you learning the difference between these words. That's the only stake I want in my steak! :-)

stake1

—noun

1. a stick or post pointed at one end for driving into the ground as a boundary mark, part of a fence, support for a plant, etc.
2. a post to which a person is bound for execution, usually by burning.
3. the stake, the punishment of death by burning: Joan of Arc was sentenced to the stake.
4. one of a number of vertical posts fitting into sockets or staples on the edge of the platform of a truck or other vehicle, as to retain the load.
5. Mormon Church. a division of ecclesiastical territory, consisting of a number of wards presided over by a president and two counselors.
6. sett (def 2).

—verb (used with object), staked, stak·ing.

1. to mark with or as if with stakes (often followed by off or out ): We staked out the boundaries of the garden.
2. to possess, claim, or reserve a share of (land, profit, glory, etc.) as if by marking or bounding with stakes (usually followed by out or off ): I'm staking out ten percent of the profit for myself.
3. to separate or close off by a barrier of stakes.
4. to support with a stake or stakes, as a plant: to stake tomato vines.
5. to tether or secure to a stake, as an animal: They staked the goat in the back yard.
6. to fasten with a stake or stakes.

—Verb phrases

stake out,

1. to keep (a suspect) under police surveillance.
2. to appoint (a police officer) to maintain constant watch over a suspect or place.

—Idioms

1. pull up stakes, Informal. to leave one's job, place of residence, etc.; move: They pulled up stakes and went to California.

Origin: before 900; (noun) Middle English; Old English staca pin; cognate with Dutch staak, German Stake, Old Norse -staki (in lȳsistaki candlestick); akin to stick1; (v.) Middle English staken to mark (land) with stakes, derivative of the noun

stake2

—noun

1. something that is wagered in a game, race, or contest.
2. a monetary or commercial interest, investment, share, or involvement in something, as in hope of gain: I have a big stake in the success of the firm.
3. a personal or emotional concern, interest, involvement, or share: Parents have a big stake in their children's happiness.
4. the funds with which a gambler operates.
5. Often, stakes. a prize, reward, increase in status, etc., in or as if in a contest.
6. stakes, Poker. the cash values assigned to the various colored chips, various bets, and raises: Our stakes are 5, 10, and 25 cents: you can bet out 10 cents on a pair and reraise twice at 25 cents.
7. a grubstake.

—verb (used with object), staked, stak·ing.

1. to risk (something), as upon the result of a game or the occurrence or outcome of any uncertain event, venture, etc.: He staked his reputation on the success of the invention.
2. to furnish (someone) with necessaries or resources, especially money: They staked me to a good meal and a train ticket.

—Idioms

1. at stake, in danger of being lost, as something that has been wagered; critically involved.

Origin: First recorded in 1520–30; origin uncertain