Language Research

bet · verb I or T

/bet/Full view

I bet (you)

B1 something that you say to show that you believe that something is true or will happen

Dictionary examples:

I bet you she's missed the bus.

I bet that he won't come.

Learner example:

The movie is amazing. I bet you'll see it soon. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

bet

C1 to risk money on the result of a game, competition, etc.

Dictionary examples:

He lost all his money betting on horses.

I bet him a dollar that I was right.

Learner example:

The game lost its innocence long before 1985 when players were betting on the result of their own game. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

bet · noun C

/bet/

bet

C2 when you guess about something or risk money on the result of a game, competition, etc.

Dictionary examples:

She was right - she won our bet.

He placed a bet on the race.

Learner example:

But I do remember the little village where the auction was, the awful tea served in plastic cups, and how nervous I was to place a bet. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

your best bet

C2 Someone’s best bet is the action most likely to be successful.

Dictionary example:

If you want to get to the theater on time, your best bet is to get a cab.

Learner example:

The international cuisine chef can whip up some delicious creations from time to time; but your best bet is to go for one of the delicious steaks served. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

a safe bet

C2 something that you are certain will happen

Dictionary example:

Wheeler is a safe bet for a place on the team.

Learner example:

Automatically, we think that black is a safe bet for any occasion. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Japanese)