wage - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
wage Word Meanings
- payment for work done
- to carry on (a campaign or struggle)
- to engage in a specified activity
wage Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
wage Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/weɪdʒ/
US
/weɪdʒ/
wage Word Etymology
wage = wa (< Old English) + age (related to act of) | Origin: Old English → Old French → Middle English | Imagine a worker receiving his 'wage' in coins while proudly parading his skills, highlighting the fruits of labor.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my hands on the desk and push, watching the cursor move. The rhythm of the day begins to change in my mind, a small shift in focus. The idea of wage slips into the plan as I keep track of the hours with care. I adjust my pace, hold steady, and move toward the end of the day, feeling that wage will follow the work.
Real Context
Wage is a word with two main uses in English. As a noun, it refers to the money paid to a worker for labor, typically computed by the hour or day and often used in plural as wages. As a verb, wage is used in expressions like wage a war or wage a campaign, meaning to carry on or engage in a struggle or organized activity. Learners often confuse wages with salary and assume wage describes fixed monthly pay rather than hourly pay, or think wage is only for combat scenarios. Understanding both senses helps avoid mistakes in job discussions and news reporting.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: wages vs salary; use plural for pay talks; wage a war or campaign in specific contexts; avoid saying wage to mean 'earn' or 'get paid' in everyday talk; partner with phrases like minimum wage and living wage; check context when wage appears in news.
Common Misconceptions
- Wage and salary mean the same thing in everyday English.
- Wage describes a fixed monthly payment just like salary.
- You can use wage for any payment you receive, not just labor.
- Wage only appears in war contexts; it has no other uses.
- Minimum wage is the same as all workers' average pay.
Thinking Differences
In English, wage clearly splits into a pay noun (often wages) and a verb for conflict contexts; learners must memorize collocations like minimum wage and living wage and avoid using wage to mean simply 'earn'.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: minimum wage, living wage, wage increase.
- Keep wage vs salary separate in everyday talk.
- Note that wage as a verb is used with war or campaigns.
- Use plural wages when talking about pay in general.
- Practice real-world texts like job postings and news.
- Remember to distinguish hourly vs monthly pay when needed.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'wage'?
A.Quick
B.Angry
C.Strong
D.Payment for work
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'wage' used correctly?
A.He received his wage for the month.
B.She was wage at the situation.
C.The cat wage across the room.
D.I wage you to do your best.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'wage'?
A.Slow
B.Small
C.Easy
D.Salary
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'wage'?
A.Deploy
B.Unemployment
C.Hike
D.Generous
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you hear the word 'wage'?
A.At a job interview discussing salary
B.At a zoo watching animals
C.In a cooking class learning recipes
D.At a music concert listening to songs
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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