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.

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

  • 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:

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

  • What kind of writing are you doing? (e.g., academic essay, casual conversation, business report)
  • 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

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