stake / steak are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇
stake: (noun) instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a victim is tied to for burning. (noun) the money risked on a gamble. (noun) a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground. (verb) mark with a stake. (verb) tie or fasten to a stake.
steak: (noun) a slice of meat cut from the fleshy part of an animal or large fish.
stake: s·t·EY·k
steak: s·t·EY·k
(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)