What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gambled
Example
He gambled all his savings away at the casino. [gambled: past tense]
Example
She enjoys gambling on sports events. [gambling: gerund or present participle]
wager
Example
I placed a wager on the horse race and won. [wager: noun]
Example
He wagered that his team would win the championship. [wagered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gamble is more common than wager in everyday language, especially in the context of casinos and gambling establishments. However, wager is still a widely recognized term and can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gambled and wager?
Both gambled and wagered can be used in formal and informal contexts, but wager may be perceived as more formal due to its French origin and association with legal language.
