Main Entry:

¹sake

Pronunciation:

\ˈsāk\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, dispute, guilt, purpose, from Old English sacu guilt, action at law; akin to Old High German sahha action at law, cause, Old English sēcan to seek — more at seek

Date:

13th century

1: end, purpose <for the sake of argument>2 a: the good, advantage, or enhancement of some entity (as an ideal) <free to pursue learning for its own sake — M. S. Eisenhower> b: personal or social welfare, safety, or benefit