What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bets
Example
I placed a bet on the horse race, hoping my chosen horse would win. [bet: noun]
Example
She always bets on her favorite team to win the championship. [bets: verb]
wager
Example
He made a wager with his friend on who could finish their meal first. [wager: noun]
Example
They wagered a large sum of money on the outcome of the poker game. [wagered: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bet is more commonly used than wager in everyday language. Bet is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wager is less common and may be more specific to certain formal or professional settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bets and wager?
While wager is typically associated with a more formal and professional tone, bet is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.