Investor

Definition

A person or organization that puts money into financial schemes, property, or a commercial venture with the expectation of achieving a profit.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvɛstər/
• Respelling: in-VES-ter (with "in" as in "tin," "VES" as in "vest," and "ter" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪnˈvɛstə/
• Respelling: in-VES-tuh (with "in" as in "tin," "VES" as in "vest," and "tuh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "investor" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "VES." The American pronunciation includes a pronounced "ter" sound, while the British pronunciation has a softer "tuh" sound.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "investire" meaning "to clothe or cover", which over time gained the meaning of "to put to use" in the financial sense, leading to the modern-day financial usage.

Derivatives

• Invest
• Investment
• Investiture
• Reinvest
• Divest

Synonyms

• Shareholder
• Stockholder
• Stakeholder

Antonyms

• Non-investor
• Debtor
• Borrower

Usage

• The investor decided to buy shares in the startup, hoping for a high return on investment.
• Real estate investors often look for properties that can yield rental income.

Related Terms

• Capital
• Portfolio
• Equity
• Dividend
• Securities

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Investor (Noun): An individual or entity that allocates money into assets, ventures, or financial instruments with the aim of earning returns.
  • Example: "The investor decided to diversify their portfolio by investing in both stocks and real estate."
  • Example: "The startup was lucky to have an angel investor who provided the necessary funds without demanding too much equity."
  • Example: "An investor scrutinizes the upward trend, foreseeing a climb in fortunes."

Note: The term "investor" primarily pertains to those who allocate capital in hopes of a future financial return, whether in the form of income, increased value, or both.