What is wage? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of wage

wagenoun

/weɪdʒ/
Definition & pronunciation of wage

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "wage." Here's a breakdown with audio resources to help you:

The most common pronunciation in American English is:

  • /weɪ/ (like "way")

    Think of the word "way." It's a short, quick sound.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • "W": Pronounced like the "w" in "water" - a simple "w" sound.
  • "a": Pronounced like the "a" in "father" or "cat" – a short, open “ah” sound.
  • "ge": Pronounced like the "ge" in "egg" - a quick, soft "j" sound.

Resources for Hearing it:

Important Note: British English pronunciation is slightly different. It's closer to /weɪdʒ/ (rhymes with "age"). However, the /weɪ/ pronunciation is perfectly acceptable and widely understood in American English.

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  • Where are you located/what dialect of English are you learning? (e.g., American, British, Australian, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word wage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "wage" in English. It's a bit of a tricky word because it has multiple meanings, and its usage has evolved over time. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. The Traditional Meaning (Historical – Still Used Sometimes):

  • Definition: Originally, "wage" referred to the payment you receive for your labor, especially in a feudal or agricultural context. It was the money earned for working on someone else's land.
  • Example: "The serfs received a meager wage in the form of food and shelter." (This describes a historical system of labor.)
  • Usage: You’ll primarily find this usage in older literature, historical accounts, or when discussing historical economic systems. It’s less common in everyday conversation today.

2. The Modern Meaning (Most Common):

  • Definition: Now, “wage” primarily means salary, wages, or pay – the money earned for employment. It often implies a regular, fixed payment.
  • Examples:
    • "She earns a comfortable wage as a software engineer." (Salary)
    • "The factory workers received their weekly wage." (Wages)
    • "His wage was significantly reduced due to the company's financial difficulties." (Pay)
  • Synonyms: salary, pay, earnings, compensation, remuneration.

3. "Wage" as a Verb (Less Common, but Important)

  • Definition: As a verb, "wage" means to fight or contend for something, especially an argument or battle. It implies persistent effort.
  • Examples:
    • "The government is waging a campaign against poverty." (Fighting against something)
    • "He waged a long and bitter battle against his illness." (Fighting a difficult struggle)
    • “They waged a war of words with their competitors.” (Exchanging heated arguments)

Key Differences & How to Choose the Right "Wage":

Feature Wage (Payment) Wage (Verb – Fight)
Part of Speech Noun Verb
Meaning Money earned To fight/contend
Context Employment, salary Arguments, struggles

Tips for Using "Wage" Correctly:

  • Context is Crucial: Pay close attention to the sentence and surrounding text to determine which meaning of "wage" is intended.
  • Synonyms are Helpful: If you're unsure, consider using a synonym like "salary," "pay," or "earnings" to avoid ambiguity.
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Wage" is generally considered more formal than "salary" or "pay."

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • Can you share the sentence where you’re considering using the word “wage”? (I can then help you refine the wording.)

Synonyms for the word wage

Practice with vocabulary wage

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After a lengthy negotiation, the union secured a significant increase in the minimum hourly ______ for all factory staff.
  2. Her monthly ______ is deposited directly into her bank account, ensuring a consistent income regardless of hours worked.
  3. The company offers a competitive starting ______ that attracts skilled graduates, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
  4. To retain top talent, employers must offer not only a fair ______ but also opportunities for professional development and growth.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms primarily refers to money paid for work, often calculated on an hourly, daily, or piecework basis? a) Salary b) Stipend c) Wage d) Commission

  2. A common demand during labor negotiations between unions and management is for: a) Improved remuneration b) Higher wages c) Better benefits d) Increased dividends

  3. If an individual is paid a fixed sum for professional services, typically on a monthly or annual basis, what do they primarily receive? a) An allowance b) A wage c) A salary d) A fee

  4. Which terms are generally used to describe the regular payment an employer provides to an employee for their labor? a) Emolument b) Wage c) Perk d) Salary

  5. The government implemented new policies aimed at ensuring a living ______ for all full-time workers. a) income b) wage c) revenue d) earning

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The hourly rate of pay for manual laborers has not kept pace with inflation over the past decade.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "wage" or a related word form:

  2. The company's payment structure for its sales team involves a basic fixed amount plus a percentage of their total sales.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "payment structure" that does not include "wage":

  3. Many entry-level positions in the service industry often provide a very modest amount of money for work performed.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "wage" or a related word form:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The union secured a significant increase in the minimum hourly wage for all factory staff.
  2. Her monthly salary is deposited directly into her bank account, ensuring a consistent income regardless of hours worked.
  3. The company offers a competitive starting wage that attracts skilled graduates, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
  4. To retain top talent, employers must offer not only a fair remuneration but also opportunities for professional development and growth.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Wage
  2. a) Improved remuneration, b) Higher wages, c) Better benefits
  3. c) A salary
  4. a) Emolument, b) Wage, d) Salary
  5. b) wage

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The hourly wage for manual laborers has not kept pace with inflation over the past decade.
  2. The company's compensation package for its sales team involves a basic fixed amount plus a percentage of their total sales.
  3. Many entry-level positions in the service industry often provide a very modest wage.

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