bet

¹

[bet]

verb (used with object)

bet, betted, betting. 

1. to wager with (something or someone).

   Synonyms: chance, venture, hazard, risk, stake, gamble

verb (used without object)

bet, betted, betting. 

1. to make a wager.

   Do you want to bet?

noun

1. a pledge of a forfeit risked on some uncertain outcome; wager.

   Where do we place our bets?

2. that which is pledged.

   a two-dollar bet.

3. something that is bet on, as a competitor in a sporting event or a number in a lottery.

   That horse looks like a good bet.

4. an act or instance of betting.

   It's a bet, then?

5. a person, plan of action, etc., considered as being a good alternative; choice.

   Your best bet is to sell your stocks now.

bet

²

[beyt, bet]

noun

1. beth.

BET

³

abbreviation

Trademark.

1. Black Entertainment Television: a cable television channel.

bet.

⁴

abbreviation

1. between.

bet

/ bɛt /

noun

1. an agreement between two parties that a sum of money or other stake will be paid by the loser to the party who correctly predicts the outcome of an event

2. the money or stake risked

3. the predicted result in such an agreement

   his bet was that the horse would win

4. a person, event, etc, considered as likely to succeed or occur

   it's a good bet that they will succeed

5. a course of action (esp in the phrase one's best bet )

6. informal,  an opinion; view

   my bet is that you've been up to no good

verb

1. to make or place a bet with (a person or persons)

2. (tr) to stake (money, etc) in a bet

3. informal,  (tr; may take a clause as object) to predict (a certain outcome)

   I bet she fails

4. informal,  of course; naturally

Word History and Origins

Origin of bet¹

First recorded in 1585–95; perhaps special use of obsolete bet “better,” in phrase the bet “the advantage,” i.e., “the odds”

Word History and Origins

Origin of bet¹

C16: probably short for _abet

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. all bets are off. all bets are off.

2. you bet! of course! surely!.

   You bet I'd like to be there!

More idioms and phrases containing bet

• back (bet on) the wrong horse
• hedge one's bets
• you bet your ass

Example Sentences

The Brazilian was charged by the FA in May 2024 for allegedly getting booked deliberately for the "improper purpose of affecting the betting market".

From BBC

Using diplomatic coalitions, and trade diversification is India's best bet to "build pressure" on Washington, he says, keeping the option of targeted retaliation only as a measure of last resort.

From BBC

Written reasons detailing the commission's finding were published on Wednesday, calling into question the FA's decision not to call in independent expertise on the key area of betting data.

From BBC

It’s not the first Las Vegas attraction to bet on our love for the MGM extravaganza.

From Los Angeles Times

Tennessee could be an outside bet to get the number one pick again unless Cam Ward can have a fast start.

From BBC

Related Words

• betting www.thesaurus.com
• chance 
• long shot 
• odds 
• pledge 
• risk 
• speculation 
• stake 
• venture 
• wager