wage
/weɪdʒ/A fixed regular payment, typically hourly or monthly, made by an employer to an employee for work or services rendered.
Minimum wage laws ensure workers earn a fair income.
These laws set the lowest legal amount employers must pay workers.
Wages are distinct from salaries, which are typically annual payments to professionals.
To engage in a struggle or conflict, often metaphorically.
The two countries waged war for years.
They fought a prolonged military conflict.
This usage is less common and often appears in historical or literary contexts.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Wage vs. Salary
Use 'wage' for hourly or task-based pay and 'salary' for fixed annual payments to professionals.
⚡Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
The noun 'wage' is formal in business contexts, while the verb 'wage' is often literary or historical.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English *wage*, from Old North French *wage*, from Frankish *wādi* (pledge, agreement), from Proto-Germanic *wēdiz (pledge). Related to Old English *wād* (pledge).
📝Usage Notes
In modern usage, 'wage' typically refers to hourly or piece-rate pay, while 'salary' refers to a fixed annual payment. The verb form 'wage' (e.g., 'wage war') is archaic but still appears in formal contexts.