gage
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɡeɪdʒ/
KK: /geɪdʒ/
noun
Definition
An item or promise given as security for a loan or obligation, or a type of plum fruit.
Example
He offered a gage to secure the loan from the bank.
Conversation
Did you see that old gage tree in the park?
Yeah, it had the biggest plums I've ever seen!
I wonder if those plums are the type they use for making jam.
They probably are; I might need to go back and check them out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pledge
challenge
deposit
Antonyms
default
refusal
withdrawal
transitive verb
Definition
To offer something as a pledge or security, often in a bet or agreement.
Example
He decided to gage his watch as a bet in the game.
Tense Forms
Past: gaged
Past Participle: gaged
Conversation
I was thinking about how much I could gage my chances in the poker game later.
That sounds risky! Are you sure you want to play?
Yeah, but I feel confident; I might even gage my bet higher this time.
Root Explanation
Gage originates from Old French 'gage' (meaning a pledge or security). The word refers to something given as a guarantee or assurance, often in the context of a promise or commitment.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'pledge' or 'security' when you hear 'gage' — it helps you remember that a gage is something given as a guarantee.
Visually Confused Words
gauge
gange
gadge
gag
age
grange
gauger
gargle