What is gamble? Pronunciation and usage in English

gamble means . Learn how to pronounce and use gamble through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of gamble

gambleverb

/ˈɡambl/
Definition & pronunciation of gamble

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "gamble" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcriptions and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈɡæmbəl

2. Breakdown and Explanation:

  • ˈɡæm: This is the beginning of the word.

    • ɡ: This is a "g" sound like in "go."
    • æ: This is the short "a" sound, like in "cat" or "hat." It's a very quick, unstressed vowel.
    • m: The "m" sound, as you know.

  • bəl: This is the ending.

    • b: The "b" sound, as you know.
    • əl: This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound (like in "about") followed by a very light "l" sound. It's almost like it blends into the preceding sound.

3. How to Say it in Simple Steps:

  1. Start with the "g" sound: "guh" (as in "go")
  2. Quickly add the short "a" sound: "gah" (like in "cat")
  3. Follow with the "m" sound: "gam"
  4. Then add the “b” sound: "gamb"
  5. Finally, a very light “uh” followed by “l”: "gambell" – but it almost flows into the "gamb" sound. Think of it almost as "gam-bell."

4. Tips for Correct Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("gam").
  • Short Vowel: The “a” in “gam” is a short vowel, not a long one. Don’t lengthen it.
  • Light Ending: The “əl” part is very quick and almost disappears. Don't overemphasize it. It’s like the word is just "gam-bell."
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear native speakers pronounce it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Say "gamble" into Google Translate and hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/gamble/ - This website has pronunciations by people from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce gamble" on YouTube.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "gamble"?

Usage and examples with the word gamble in English

Let's break down how to use the word "gamble" in English. It has a few different meanings and nuances, so understanding those is key.

1. As a Verb (Taking a Risk):

  • Most Common Meaning: This is the most frequent use. It means to risk something, usually money or time, on an uncertain outcome. It’s about betting on something with potential reward but also potential loss.

    • Examples:
      • "I’m going to gamble on the stock market this year." (Risking money)
      • "She decided to gamble her savings on a business venture." (Risking money)
      • "He gambled with his reputation by speaking out against the company." (Risking his standing)
      • "Don't gamble with your health; see a doctor." (Risking your well-being)

2. As a Noun (An Act of Risking):

  • Referring to the Act of Betting: This refers to the act of putting something at risk, often with money.

    • Examples:
      • “He placed a large gamble on the horse race.” (The betting itself)
      • “Their relationship was a dangerous gamble.” (The attempt to make it work)
      • “Taking this job is a gamble, but it could be a good one.” (The risk involved)

3. More Figurative/Informal Usages:

  • Taking a Chance (More Casual): Sometimes "gamble" is used more loosely to describe taking a chance on something, even if it's not necessarily about money.

    • Examples:
      • "I'll gamble that he doesn't know the answer." (A casual bet)
      • "Let's gamble that you can finish the project by Friday." (A friendly challenge)

  • A Risky Situation: It can describe a situation that is inherently dangerous or uncertain.

    • Example: “Their lives were in a gamble after the accident.” (Meaning they faced serious risks)

Key Considerations & Synonyms:

  • Risk vs. Chance: "Gamble" implies a stronger element of risk than simply "chance." It suggests you’re actively betting on something.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you could use words like:
    • Risk
    • Bet
    • Stake
    • Hazard
    • Venture
    • Chance (less strong)

Here’s a table to summarise:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To risk something “I’ll gamble my time on this project.”
Noun The act of risking/betting “That was a foolish gamble.”
Figurative Taking a risk/chance “Their future is a gamble.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "gamble" in? (e.g., a business discussion, a casual conversation, a story, etc.)

Synonyms for the word gamble

Practice with vocabulary gamble

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company decided to ______ a significant portion of its budget on developing a new, unproven technology, hoping for a major breakthrough.
  2. Despite the high ______, the team was determined to proceed with the unconventional marketing campaign.
  3. Launching a startup in a volatile market can feel like a ______ on an uncertain future, requiring immense courage and foresight.
  4. She had to ______ a difficult decision about relocating for the promotion, weighing the career benefits against personal sacrifices.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (Select ALL that apply)

  1. Which of the following words best describe the act of committing resources to an enterprise with an extremely uncertain outcome, relying heavily on chance? a) speculate b) venture c) gamble d) allocate

  2. If a business takes a calculated yet bold step into an unknown market, what might they be doing? a) taking a risk b) making a wager c) undertaking a venture d) gambling on success

  3. The board of directors decided against such a risky move, preferring to maintain their current, stable market position. Which words reflect their cautious approach? a) avoid taking chances b) play it safe c) bet on certainty d) gamble on volatility

  4. Before making a significant financial commitment, it's prudent to thoroughly ______ the potential outcomes and prepare for contingencies. a) assess b) calculate c) estimate d) chance

  5. What could be a synonym for placing a bet on a sporting event? a) speculate b) wager c) gamble d) finance

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Investing in emerging technologies often involves a high degree of uncertainty. Rewrite using "gamble" or a related word form:

  2. Original: She decided to take a chance on a career change, even though it meant starting from scratch. Rewrite using "gamble" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The project manager believed that the team needed to proceed cautiously rather than rushing into decisions without proper analysis. Rewrite, NOT using "gamble", but a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. gamble
  2. risk
  3. gamble
  4. make

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) speculate, b) venture, c) gamble
  2. a) taking a risk, c) undertaking a venture, d) gambling on success
  3. a) avoid taking chances, b) play it safe
  4. a) assess, b) calculate, c) estimate
  5. b) wager, c) gamble

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Companies often gamble on emerging technologies due to the high degree of uncertainty. (Alternative: Investing in emerging technologies often involves taking a gamble.)
  2. She decided to gamble on a career change, even though it meant starting from scratch. (Alternative: Her career change was a gamble, as she had to start from scratch.)
  3. The project manager believed that the team needed to exercise prudence rather than rushing into decisions without proper analysis. (Alternative: The project manager believed that the team needed to act judiciously rather than rushing into decisions without proper analysis.)

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