gambler

/ˈɡæmblə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡæmblər/ (ame, ipa) · /-blə(r)/ (ame, mw)

gambler — noun

  • gamblersingular
  • gamblersplural

1. A person who regularly wagers money on card games, sporting events, or other act

1.名詞B1
釋義

A person who regularly wagers money on card games, sporting events, or other activities where the outcome is uncertain, usually with the hope of winning more money.

例句

Bilal's uncle was a compulsive gambler who spent every paycheck at the racetrack.

adjective + gambler (compulsive gambler)

The casino hired security guards to watch for gamblers cheating at the poker tables.

gambler + preposition (at the poker tables)

同義詞
  • bettor

    More neutral and specific to wagering; gambler carries a stronger negative overtone.

  • punter

    British informal; refers to someone who places bets, especially on horse races or sports.

  • player

    Broader and less negative; used in casino contexts (a poker player vs. a poker gambler).

反義詞
  • saver

    Someone who keeps money rather than risking it.

文法句型

adjective + gambler

gambler + preposition + (game/place)

用法筆記

Frequently appears with negative adjectives such as compulsive, habitual, or problem. The neutral term player is preferred in gaming-industry contexts. Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 involves literal money bets on games or events, while sense 2 is metaphorical.

常見錯誤

❌He is a gambler who enjoys board games with friends.
✅He is a gambler who places bets on horse races every weekend.
💡Gambler implies risking money on uncertain outcomes, not simply playing games for fun.

2. Someone who takes deliberate chances in professional or financial situations, ac

2.名詞B2
釋義

Someone who takes deliberate chances in professional or financial situations, accepting possible loss in exchange for a chance at great success — for example, a business founder who invests all savings in an untested idea, or a trader who buys volatile stocks.

例句

Élise was a gambler in business — she put her savings into a start-up with no customers.

gambler in [domain]

Owen described himself as a gambler at heart, always choosing the boldest investment strategy.

gambler at heart

同義詞
  • risk-taker

    Direct synonym; less colourful and carries no gambling-related stigma.

  • speculator

    Specifically financial; implies calculated risk based on market analysis rather than pure chance.

  • daredevil

    Suggests physical risk and thrill-seeking rather than calculated business risk.

反義詞
  • conservative

    A person who avoids risk and prefers steady, predictable outcomes.

  • safe player

    Informal; someone who chooses the least risky option.

文法句型

gambler + in + [domain]

gambler + at heart

adjective + gambler (born, natural)

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1, this sense often carries a neutral or even admiring tone, especially in entrepreneurship and finance writing. The risk is figurative, not literal gambling. Frequently modified by born, natural, or calculated.

常見錯誤

❌He is a gambler who took a big risk.
✅He is a gambler in the commodities market who staked his entire fund on a single trade.
💡The metaphorical sense needs a domain (in + field) to be clear; avoid vague statements.