bet

English Online Dictionary. What means bet‎? What does bet mean?

English

Pronunciation

• enPR: bĕt, IPA^(key): /ˈbɛt/
• Rhymes: -ɛt

Etymology 1

From 16th-century criminal slang, perhaps from Middle English bet (“something better, advantage, luck”); or from abet, from Middle English abet, abette, from Old French abet (“incitement to evil”), from Old French abeter (“to entice”), from a- (“to”) + beter (“hound on, urge, to bait”); ultimately from Proto-West Germanic *baitijan (“to bait, entice”), related to Old English bǣtan (“to bait”). More at abet.

Noun

bet (plural bets)

2. A wager, an agreement between two parties that a stake (usually money) will be paid by the loser to the winner (the winner being the one who correctly forecast the outcome of an event).

3. (Philippines, figuratively, informal) A candidate (for elections and pageants) or competitor (in multinational sports).
4. Indicating a degree of certainty, or that something can be relied upon.

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

bet (third-person singular simple present bets, present participle betting, simple past and past participle bet or betted)

1. (transitive, ditransitive) To stake or pledge upon the outcome of an event; to wager.
2. (transitive) To be sure of something; to be able to count on something.

3. (poker) To place money into the pot in order to require others do the same, usually only used for the first person to place money in the pot on each round.

Derived terms

Translations

Interjection

bet (slang, chiefly Canada, US)

1. Expression of general agreement or acceptance.
2. Exclamation indicating acceptance of a challenge or an absurd proposal.
3. Exclamation of joy at good fortune.

Etymology 2

From Hebrew בית (bēt).

Noun

bet (plural bets)

1. Alternative form of beth (“Semitic letter”)

Etymology 3

Abbreviation.

Preposition

bet

1. (knitting) between

Anagrams

• ETB, TBE, BTE, TEB, EBT

Bislama

Etymology 1

From English bait.

Noun

bet

1. bait

Etymology 2

From English bet.

Verb

bet

1. to gamble

Brokskat

Verb

bet

1. continued

Crimean Tatar

Noun

bet

1. face
2. side, direction
3. page

Declension

Synonyms

• yüz, çıray (face)
• saife (page)

References

• Mirjejev, V. A., Usejinov, S. M. (2002) Ukrajinsʹko-krymsʹkotatarsʹkyj slovnyk [Ukrainian – Crimean Tatar Dictionary]‎^[4], Simferopol: Dolya, →ISBN

Finnish

Etymology

From Phoenician [Term?].

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbet/, [ˈbe̞t̪]
• Rhymes: -et
• Hyphenation^(key): bet

Noun

bet

1. beth (Phonecian and Hebrew letter)

Declension

German

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /beːt/
• Homophone: Beet

Verb

bet

1. singular imperative of beten

Usage notes

The form bete is more common.

Italian

Etymology

From Hebrew בַּיִ״ת (báyiṯ).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbɛt/
• Rhymes: -ɛt
• Hyphenation: bèt

Noun

bet f (invariable)

1. beth (Phonecian and Hebrew letter)

Related terms

• beta

Anagrams

• Tbe.

Karaim

Etymology

From Proto-Turkic *bēt.

Noun

bet

1. face

Synonyms

• jüz

References

• N. A. Baskakov, S.M. Šapšala, editor (1973), “bet”, in Karaimsko-Russko-Polʹskij Slovarʹ [Karaim-Russian-Polish Dictionary], Moscow: Moskva, →ISBN

Latgalian

Etymology

From Proto-Balto-Slavic *bet. Cognates include Latvian bet and Lithuanian bet.

Not related to English but.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [ˈbʲæt]
• Hyphenation: bet

Conjunction

bet

1. but

References

• Nicole Nau (2011) A short grammar of Latgalian, München: LINCOM GmbH, →ISBN

Latvian

Etymology

From Proto-Baltic *bet, from Proto-Indo-European *be, *bʰe (“outside, without”) (whence also the Latvian preposition bez), to which an old particle -t was added, visible also in the Latvian particle it and the adverb šeit (“here”). Cognates include Lithuanian bèt, Sudovian bat.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [bɛt]

Conjunction

bet

1. adversative conjunction, used to express contrast or opposition; but

   istaba bija maza, bet mājīga ― the room was small but cozy

   komandiera īsais, bet atlētiskais augums veidoja neskaidru siluetu ― the commander's short but athletic body (lit. size) made an unclear, vague silhouette

2. (with tomēr) expressing contrast, opposition with a nuance of concession; yet, but still

   stiprs un izturīgs, bet tomēr tāds kā paviegls, likās, visvairāk tikai aiz lielības Martiņš te skrēja ― strong and enduring, yet somewhat light; it seemed that Martiņš was running there rather because of posturing (= to be able to boast about it)

3. (with gan) expressing strong contrast, opposition; but, but instead

   tur nestāvēja rakstāmgaldi, bet gan parasti virtuves galdi ar vienu atvilktni ― the desks weren't there, but instead simple kitchen tables with (only) one drawer

   Šellija Prometejs neienīst savu mocītāju Jupiteru, bet gan sirsnīgi nožēlo ― Shelley's Prometheus does not hate his tormentor Jupiter, but instead sincerely regrets (what he did)

4. (with ne, nevis) expressing strong contrast, opposition; but not

   atnāca Jānis, bet nevis Pēteris ― Jānis came, but not Pēteris

   etiķim jābūt dzidram, skābam, bet ne asam, kodīgam ― vinegar must be clear, acid, but not sharp, harsh (= ‘biting’)

5. (with a preceding negative clause) (expressing strong contrast, opposition)

   tas, kas neredzams sēž uz soliņa man līdzās, nav Roberts, bet Harijs ― the one sitting invisibly on the bench near me is not Roberts, but Harijs

   vīnu apkārt dodama, viņa nenolaida acu, bet skatījās katram taisni sējā ― (while) giving wine around, she did not lower her eyes, but (instead) looked straight in the face of every one (of them)

   ne atpakaļ, bet uz priekšu iet mūsu dzīves gaita! ― not backward, but forward our life's pace goes!

   automobilis brauca nevis pa lielceļu, bet taisni pa meža ceļu ― the car did not go on the highway, but straight along the forest road

6. (with gan in the preceding sentence) expressing opposition to the preceding event, which did not achieve its goal, was frustrated (indeed) ... but

   Sīmanis gan mantu novēlēja, bet mir nenomira ― Sīmanis did indeed want the property, but die, he didn't (= he did not go as far as dying for it)

   rokas gan pieķēris ratu malai, bet neparko nevarēja attrāpīt ass galu ― (his) hands did (manage to) catch the edge of the wheel, but couldn't reach the end of the axle

7. used to express an inconsistency or contradiction between two clauses, or a frustrated expectation

   lietus beidzot pārgājis, bet saules nav ― the rain has finally passed, but there is no sun

   meitenes bārienu gaida, bet štāba priekšnieks smaida... ― the girls were expecting a scolding, but the chief of staff smiled...

   Jānis Bruzils juta, ka viena acs tam pamazām aiztūkst un apmiglo kā ar sarkanu miglu, bet toties otra kļūst arvien skaidrāka ― Jānis Bruzils felt that one eye was slowly swelling and becoming covered with a red mist, but in contrast the other was becoming clearer and clearer

8. used to connect a sentence to the preceding context, indicating an inconsistency or contradiction, or a frustrated expectation; But...

   Līzei bija bezgala žēl izmocītās jaunās sievas. Bet nu bija jāiet iekšā un jārunājas ar citiem ― Līze was infinitely sorry for the exhausted young woman. But she had to go in and talk to others.

   pēc svētkiem Kārlēns aizgāja un solījās pārnākt atkal rudenī. Bet nepārnāca ne rudenī, ne pavasarī... ― after the festivities Kārlēns went (away), promising to stay there again next fall. But he didn't come neither next fall, nor next spring...

9. used to connect a subordinate clause indicating concession to a main clause; but

   lai kāds dzērājs Vanags, bet ataugu viņš taupīja, ragavām ilksi, pat to viņš neļāva nocirst savā mežā ― that Vanags may be a drunkard, but he conserved the (new) forest growth, sleigh lumber (= wood for making sleighs), he didn't let it be cut in his forest

10. (in combinations like ne vien ..., bet arī, ne tikai ..., bet arī, ne tikvien ..., bet arī) used to coordinate clause elements; not only ..., but also

    riekstu eļļa noder ne vien uzturam, bet arī parfimērijas un laku pagatavošanai ― hazelnut oil is useful not only for consumption, but also for perfume and varnish producers

    Nikolajs Sņegovs bija ļoti aizrāvies ne tikai ar matemātiku, bet arī ar seno laiku vēsturi ― Nikolajs Sņegovs was very fascinated not only by mathematics, but also by ancient history

11. (with tad) used to strengthen emotionally the idea expressed in a sentence as opposed to some expectation but...!, but then...!

    bet tad nosēts linu lauks, bez vienas svītrinas, kā ar palagu noklāts! ― but then the flax field was (fully) strewn, as if covered with a blanket

    bet tad ir gan milzenis akmens! ― but that is a giant stone!

12. (used as a noun) obstacle, hindrance, “but”

    šim pasākumam ir savs “bet” — this undertaking has its own but (= there is an obstacle to it)

    tas jau slikti nebūtu, sieviņ, bet ir viens bet ― that wouldn't be bad, wifey, but there is one “but”...

Usage notes

• Latvian bet is to some extent a "false friend" of English but, since it is used not only in adversative (but) contexts, but also in certain additive (and) contexts, when there is the idea of contrast (while...) between two situations, very much like Russian а (a): es strādāju, bet mana sieva lasa grāmatu “I am working, and (= while) my wife is reading a book” (cf. Russian я работаю, а моя жена читает книгу). A more strongly adversative word, used to stress contrast, contradiction, or inconsistency, is taču, which would correspond to Russian но (no).

Synonyms

• taču
• tomēr

References

Lithuanian

Etymology

From bè (“without”) + a particle -t of indeterminate origin. This particle may come from tè (“let, may it be”); compare nèt (“even”) < nete. Cognate with Latvian bet.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bʲɛt/

Conjunction

bèt

1. (adversative) but, yet, though (introduces an idea contrary to or a concession to the previous statement)

   Nóriu, bèt negaliù ― I want to, but I can't.

   Paskutìnis, bèt nè prasčiáusias ― Last but not least.

Particle

bet (unstressed)

1. (in conjunction with interrogative words) any-, -ever (suggesting the complement is not important or irrelevant)

   bet kadà ― whenever, anytime

   Jaučiúosi geriaũ neĩ bet kadà! ― I feel better than ever [any time]!

Derived terms

References

Middle Dutch

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bet/

Etymology 1

From Old Dutch bit.(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “Is this bi+met?”)

Preposition

bet

1. with, together with

   Synonym: met

2. with, by means of, using

   Synonym: met

Etymology 2

Adverb

bet

1. Alternative form of bat

Etymology 3

From bi +‎ dum +‎ te. Compare Middle High German biz (German bis).

Preposition

bet

1. (rare) up to

Further reading

• “bet (I)”, in Vroegmiddelnederlands Woordenboek, 2000
• “bet (II)”, in Vroegmiddelnederlands Woordenboek, 2000
• Verwijs, E., Verdam, J. (1885–1929) “bet (I)”, in Middelnederlandsch Woordenboek, The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff, →ISBN, page I
• Verwijs, E., Verdam, J. (1885–1929) “bet (II)”, in Middelnederlandsch Woordenboek, The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff, →ISBN, page II

Middle English

Etymology 1

From Old English bet, from Proto-West Germanic *bati, from Proto-Germanic *batiz. In adverbial senses, later supplemented by bettre.

Alternative forms

• bett, bette
• bæt (Early Middle English)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bɛt/

Adverb

bet

1. comparative degree of wel

Descendants

• English: bet (obsolete)

Adjective

bet (only in predicates)

1. comparative degree of wel

Descendants

• English: bet (obsolete)

Noun

bet

1. Something or someone which is more wel (i.e. better).

Descendants

• English: bet (obsolete)

References

• “bet, adv. & adj.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 2019-02-17.
• “bet, adv. & adj. as n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 2019-02-17.

Etymology 2

Verb

bet

1. Alternative form of beten (“to beat”)

Norwegian Bokmål

Alternative forms

• beit

Verb

bet

1. simple past of bite

Old English

Etymology

From Proto-Germanic *batiz.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bet/

Adverb

bet

1. better
   • late 10th century, Ælfric, "Saint Basilius, Bishop"

2. rather

Old Saxon

Etymology

From Proto-Germanic *batiz.

Adverb

bet

1. better
2. rather

Polish

Etymology 1

Borrowed from German Bett.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɛt
• Syllabification: bet

Noun

bet m inan (diminutive becik)

1. baby's sleeping bag
2. (Kuyavia) duvet, eiderdown (quilt filled with feathers)

   Synonym: pierzyna

Declension

Related terms

Etymology 2

Borrowed from Hebrew בית (béyt).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbɛt/
• Rhymes: -ɛt
• Syllabification: bet

Noun

bet m inan (indeclinable)

1. beth (Aramaic and Hebrew letter)

Further reading

• bet in Wielki słownik języka polskiego, Instytut Języka Polskiego PAN
• bet in Polish dictionaries at PWN
• Oskar Kolberg (1867) “bet”, in Dzieła wszystkie: Kujawy (in Polish), page 268

Portuguese

Etymology

Unadapted borrowing from English bet.

Pronunciation

Noun

bet f (plural bets)

1. (informal) bet (a wager)
2. (informal) a sport betting website or app

Romanian

Adjective

bet m or n (feminine singular betă, masculine plural beți, feminine and neuter plural bete)

1. Obsolete form of biet.

Declension

References

• bet in Academia Română, Micul dicționar academic, ediția a II-a, Bucharest: Univers Enciclopedic, 2010. →ISBN

Spanish

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbet/ [ˈbet̪]
• Rhymes: -et
• Syllabification: bet

Noun

bet f (plural bet)

1. beth; the Hebrew letter ב

Swahili

Etymology

Borrowed from English bet.

Verb

-bet (infinitive kubet)

1. Alternative form of -beti (“to bet, gamble”)

Conjugation

Swedish

Etymology

Borrowed from French bête (“beast, animal”). Compare "faire la bête" (make the bête) for losing the deal in the old French trick-taking card game of l'Homme / Bête. Attested since 1733.

Noun

bet c

1. (card games) a penalty (especially in the game of Vira)
2. (card games, bridge, in some expression) (going) set, (going) down (failing to make a contract)

Declension

Derived terms

• gå bet (“fail”) (derived idiom)

Verb

bet

1. past indicative of bita

References

• bet in Svensk ordbok (SO)
• bet in Svenska Akademiens ordböcker
• bet in Svenska Akademiens ordbok (SAOB)

Tagalog

Etymology

Borrowed from English bet (“wager; slang: exclamation of acceptance”).

Pronunciation

• (Standard Tagalog) IPA^(key): /ˈbet/ [ˈbɛt̪̚]
• Rhymes: -et
• Syllabification: bet

Noun

bet (Baybayin spelling ᜊᜒᜆ᜔) (gay slang)

1. like; want

   Synonyms: gusto, nais, ibig

See also

Tok Pisin

Etymology 1

From English bed.

Noun

bet

1. bed

Etymology 2

From English bet.

Noun

bet

1. bet

Turkish

Etymology

From Proto-Turkic *bēt (“face; page”). Cognate with Bashkir бит (bit, “face; page”), Uyghur بەت (bet, “face; page”), Kazakh бет (bet) etc.

Noun

bet

1. (idiomatic) face

Declension

Vilamovian

Pronunciation

Noun

bet n (plural bet)

1. bed

Volapük

Noun

bet (nominative plural bets)

1. flower bed

Declension

Zhuang

Etymology

From Proto-Tai *peːtᴰ (“eight”), from Middle Chinese 八 (pˠɛt̚, “eight”). Cognate with Thai แปด (bpɛ̀ɛt), Tai Dam ꪵꪜꪒ, Lao ແປດ (pǣt), Lü ᦶᦔᧆᧈ (ṗaed¹), Shan ပႅတ်ႇ (pèt), Tai Nüa ᥙᥦᥖᥱ (pǎet), Ahom 𑜆𑜢𑜄𑜫 (pit), Bouyei beedt. Doublet of bat.

Pronunciation

• (Standard Zhuang) IPA^(key): /peːt˧˥/
• Tone numbers: bet⁷
• Hyphenation: bet

Numeral

bet (1957–1982 spelling bet)

1. eight

   Synonym: (in compounds) bat

Zoogocho Zapotec

Etymology

From Proto-Zapotec *kw-eʔtti(k), from Proto-Zapotecan *kw-eʔtti(k).

Noun

bet

1. skunk

References

• Long C., Rebecca, Cruz M., Sofronio (2000) Diccionario zapoteco de San Bartolomé Zoogocho, Oaxaca (Serie de vocabularios y diccionarios indígenas “Mariano Silva y Aceves”; 38)‎^[5] (in Spanish), second electronic edition, Coyoacán, D.F.: Instituto Lingüístico de Verano, A.C., page 12