Wages

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈweɪd͡ʒɪz/

Definitions

  1. Compensation received for labor or services rendered | Payments made to employees in exchange for their work | Financial remuneration provided for a job's performance
  2. Monetary rewards given to individuals for their work or services | Payments made to workers as an acknowledgment of their labor | Financial sums that are issued to employees for tasks completed
  3. Compensation that individuals receive for services provided in a professional context | Payments made to employees in recognition of their contributions to an organization | Financial earnings awarded to workers in return for their efforts and labor

Etymology: The concept behind this term traces back to the idea of something given or allotted in return for work or service. It first appeared in English around the 14th century, derived from the Old North French word "wage," which meant a pledge, something given as security, or payment. This French term itself came from Medieval Latin "wagia," related to "vadium," meaning a pledge or security, pointing to the practice of promising payment in exchange for labor. Originally, the term was closely tied to the notion of a guarantee or security, reflecting a time when agreements for work were often sealed with tangible promises or deposits. Over time, the meaning shifted away from the abstract idea of a pledge to the concrete sum of money paid to a worker, which is the sense we understand today. The plural form carries the same pronunciation and refers collectively to these payments—regular sums given as compensation for labor. The shift from a singular pledge to plural payments highlights the evolving economic relationships during the medieval and early modern periods, when wage labor became more common and formalized. Interestingly, this term is connected to the word "warranty" through their shared root in "vadium," emphasizing the original sense of security or guarantee. This connection underscores how economic and legal concepts were intertwined in the language of medieval Europe, as both payment and legal assurance were vital in transactions and agreements.

Synonyms: salaries, earnings, compensation, remuneration, pay

Antonyms: debts, losses