student asking question

Does the word "stake" has the same meaning as "portion"? If so, can you show me some examples?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Great question. While both "stake" and "portion" have a similar meaning, in that they mean having a share of something, however there is a difference in nuance. We use "stake" specifically when we are talking about personal and usually financial involvement in something. We use it to show that you have a personal interest or involvement in it. So if you are an investor in a company you can say that you have a "stake" in the company. This gives the nuance that there is risk involved. If the company makes money, you make money and if they lose money it may affect you financially. You could also use "portion" here but it has a less serious nuance and doesn't carry that same feeling of risk. Ex: Employers have a stake in the training of their staff. (means they have an involvement). Ex: Employers have a portion in the training of their staff. (this is incorrect grammatically). Ex: I accept my portion of the blame. (I share the blame) Ex: I accept my stake of the blame. (this is incorrect grammatically).

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