grubstake
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɡrʌbˌsteɪk/
KK: /ˈgrʌbˌsteɪk/
noun
Definition
Money or supplies given to someone to help them start a business or project, with the expectation of sharing the profits later.
Example
The investors provided a grubstake to the new entrepreneur to help launch her startup.
Conversation
Have you ever thought about investing in a startup?
Yeah, but I don't really know how to get started with a grubstake.
It's not as complicated as it sounds; you just need to find a promising idea.
True, and if it works out, the profits could be worth it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
funding
backing
capital
Antonyms
debt
loss
failure
transitive verb
Definition
To provide financial support to someone, expecting to receive a portion of the profits in return.
Example
The investor decided to grubstake the new startup, hoping for a good return on his investment.
Tense Forms
Past: grubstaked
Past Participle: grubstaked
Conversation
Have you ever thought about how to grubstake someone with a great idea?
I haven't really considered it, but it sounds interesting.
Yeah, you could help fund their project and share in the profits later.
Root Explanation
Grubstake is formed from 'grub' (from Old English 'grubban', meaning to dig or to search) and 'stake' (from Old English 'staca', meaning a post or support). The term originally referred to a supply of provisions or money given to someone to help them dig for gold or resources, thus supporting their search.
Memory Tip
Think of 'digging' ('grub') for something valuable and having a 'stake' or support in that endeavor — that's why grubstake means support for someone searching for resources.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.