sake

Other forms: sakes

Sake means the purpose for doing something. You might run a fund-raising marathon for the sake of sick children.

Sake comes from the old English term for "affair," or "cause of guilt." We usually use sake to talk about the motivating cause of something we do. You might study hard for the sake of your grades. But then again, you might blow off your studies for the sake of having fun. Spelled the same way, but pronounced SAH-key, sake is also the name of a Japanese alcoholic drink made from fermented rice.

Definitions of sake

1. noun

   the purpose of achieving or obtaining
   “for the sake of argument”

   type of:

   aim, design, intent, intention, mission, purpose

   an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
2. noun

   a reason for wanting something done
   “for your sake”

   “died for the sake of his country”

   synonyms: interest

   types:

   behalf

   for someone's benefit (usually expressed as `in behalf' rather than `on behalf' and usually with a possessive)

   type of:

   benefit, welfare

   something that aids or promotes well-being