sake
SAYK
Sake (noun) means the purpose, reason, or benefit behind doing something (used in phrases like "for the sake of"). Example: “She took the extra shift for the sake of the extra money.”
noun
1
The purpose, reason, or benefit behind doing something (used in phrases like "for the sake of").
"She took the extra shift for the sake of the extra money."
"He apologized for the sake of peace, not because he felt he was wrong."
"For the sake of the children, the parents tried to stay calm."
How to use sake
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe reason or benefit that makes an action worthwhile — almost always used in set phrases such as "for the sake of."
Common mistake
Don't confuse with sake the Japanese rice drink, which is a completely unrelated borrowed word pronounced differently.
Common pairings
for the sake of
for old times' sake
for goodness' sake
for argument's sake
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Word forms
- Plural
- sakes
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She took the extra shift for the _____ of the extra money.
Etymology
From Old English sacu, "cause, dispute, legal case," related to the verb "seek."
Related words
Rhymes for sake
See all rhymes for sake →Frequently asked questions
What does “sake” mean?
The word “sake” means the purpose, reason, or benefit behind doing something (used in phrases like "for the sake of"). In plain terms, the reason or benefit that makes an action worthwhile — almost always used in set phrases such as "for the sake of.".
How do you pronounce “sake”?
“Sake” is pronounced SAYK (/ˈseɪ̯k/ in IPA).
How do you use “sake” in a sentence?
Here is “sake” used in a sentence: “She took the extra shift for the sake of the extra money.”
What part of speech is “sake”?
“Sake” is a noun.
Where does the word “sake” come from?
The word “sake” comes from Old English. From Old English sacu, "cause, dispute, legal case," related to the verb "seek.".
Is “sake” a common word?
“Sake” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What does "for the sake of" mean?
"For the sake of" means for the benefit, purpose, or reason of something. Saying you do something "for the sake of your family" means for their good, while "for the sake of clarity" means in order to be clear. It points to the aim or beneficiary behind an action.
Is the word "sake" related to the Japanese drink sake?
No. Despite the identical spelling, they are unrelated. The English "sake" meaning purpose or benefit comes from Old English and rhymes with "cake." The Japanese sake, a rice wine, is a separate loanword pronounced roughly "sah-keh." Only the spelling coincides; their origins and meanings are entirely different.
What is an example of using "sake"?
You might say, "For the sake of argument, let's assume it's true," meaning for the purpose of discussion. Or, "She stayed late for the sake of the team," meaning for its benefit. The word almost always appears in the phrase "for the sake of" rather than standing alone.
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