I. sake 1 S2 W3 /seɪk/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
1 . for the sake of somebody/something ( also for sb’s/sth’s sake ) in order to help, improve, or please someone or something:
He moved to the seaside for the sake of his health.
I only went for Kay’s sake.
I hope he’s told the truth for his own sake (=because it will be good for him) .
2 . for God’s/Christ’s/goodness’/Heaven’s/Pete's sake spoken
a) used when you are telling someone how important it is to do something or not to do something:
For goodness' sake, don’t be late!
b) used to show that you are angry or annoyed:
What is it now, for God’s sake?
3 . for the sake of it if you do something for the sake of it, you do it because you want to and not for any particular reason:
She likes spending money just for the sake of it.
4 . for its own sake ( also something for sth’s sake ) if something is done for its own sake, it is done for the value of the experience itself, not for any advantage it will bring:
art for art’s sake
5 . for the sake of argument spoken if you say something for the sake of argument, what you say may not be true but it will help you to have a discussion:
Let’s say, just for the sake of argument, that you’ve got £200 to invest.
II. sa ‧ ke 2 /ˈsɑːki/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice