Invest

Definition

Invest is a verb that means to allocate money, time, or resources with the expectation of achieving a future benefit or return, such as profit or growth. It can also mean to endow something or someone with a quality or characteristic.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvɛst/
• Respelling: in-VEST

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvɛst/
• Respelling: in-VEST

Etymology

The word "invest" originates from the Latin "investire," meaning "to clothe" or "to endow," from "in-" (into) and "vestire" (to clothe). It entered Middle English in the late 14th century, initially used in the sense of endowing someone with power or authority. The financial sense of the term emerged in the 17th century.

Derivatives

• Investment (noun)
• Investor (noun)
• Investable (adjective)
• Reinvest (verb)
• Investing (verb, present participle)

Synonyms

• Allocate
• Endow
• Commit

Antonyms

• Divest
• Withdraw
• Reduce

Usage

The verb "invest" is commonly used in financial contexts, such as "She decided to invest in the stock market." It is also used metaphorically, as in "He has invested a lot of time in this project." Additionally, it can describe the act of endowing or imbuing something with a quality, e.g., "The ceremony invested the occasion with great significance."

Related Terms

• Capital: Wealth or resources used for investment.
• Portfolio: A collection of investments.
• Return: The profit or benefit gained from an investment.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To allocate money, resources, or time with the expectation of future benefit: Often refers to financial or strategic commitment.
  • Example: "She invested her savings in real estate."
• To endow with a quality or characteristic: Refers to imbuing something with significance or meaning.
  • Example: "The teacher invested her students with confidence."
• To formally confer authority, rights, or power: An archaic usage related to ceremonial endowment.
  • Example: "The king invested him with a noble title."