gamble

/ˈɡæmbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡæmbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgam-bəl/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɡæm.bəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡæm.bəl/ (ame, ipa)

gamble — verb

  • gamblepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • gambleshe / she / it
  • gambledpast simple
  • gambling-ing form

1. to choose to do something risky even though the outcome is uncertain, because yo

1.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to choose to do something risky even though the outcome is uncertain, because you believe the possible gain is worth the danger of loss or failure.

例句

The small firm gambled on a new technology and it paid off.

gamble + on + noun phrase for a risky decision

Indra gambled that her savings would last until she started earning again.

gamble + that-clause for an optimistic prediction

同義詞
  • risk

    broader; can be used transitively ('risk your life') while 'gamble' usually needs 'on'

  • venture

    more formal, often implies boldness and planning, not just chance

  • bet

    more casual; can replace 'gamble' in many contexts but is also the specific term for wagering money

  • speculate

    formal, often used in finance or business; suggests a calculated guess

反義詞
  • play safe

    phrase; to avoid risk entirely

  • hedge

    to reduce risk by taking counteracting actions

文法句型

gamble + on + [risky decision/opportunity]

gamble + that-clause

gamble + with + [something valuable]

用法筆記

Frequently used with 'on' to name the risky situation, or with a 'that'-clause to name the hoped-for outcome. 'Gamble with' puts the focus on what might be lost.

常見錯誤

❌I gambled to start a business.
✅I gambled on starting a business.
💡The pattern is 'gamble on + [action/outcome]', not 'gamble to + verb'.

2. to risk real money on the result of a game, race, or sports match, with the hope

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to risk real money on the result of a game, race, or sports match, with the hope of winning a larger amount if you guess correctly.

例句

James gambled his whole paycheck at the casino in one night.

transitive: gamble + money + at + venue

Meera gambled fifty dollars on a horse that came in last.

gamble + amount + on + outcome

同義詞
  • bet

    more specific; always involves money or something of value, same pattern but more common in gambling contexts

  • wager

    more formal; used in legal and historical contexts

  • stake

    can be a verb meaning 'to risk money'; often followed by 'on': 'stake $100 on the game'

反義詞
  • save

    to keep money rather than risk it

  • play it safe

    phrase; to avoid any gambling or risk-taking

文法句型

gamble + [amount of money] + on + [game/horse/event]

gamble + at + [casino/gambling venue]

gamble away + [money/savings]

用法筆記

The direct object is the amount of money risked, not the game. 'He gambled $100 on the horse', not 'He gambled the horse'. 'Gamble away' means to lose all of something through gambling.

常見錯誤

❌He gambled the horse for fifty dollars.
✅He gambled fifty dollars on the horse.
💡The money amount is the direct object; the thing you bet on comes after 'on'.

gamble — noun