Invest: meaning, definitions and examples

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invest

[ɪnˈvɛst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

finance

To put money into financial schemes, shares, property, or a commercial venture with the expectation of achieving a profit.

Synonyms

buy into, put money into, sink money into.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
invest	Typically used in a general context where someone allocates money in various asset classes like stocks, real estate, or businesses with the expectation of some future financial return. She decided to invest in the stock market to grow her savings
put money into	Generally used in a straightforward or conversational context, denoting the act of allocating money towards something. It doesn't necessarily imply a professional investment. We plan to put money into renovating the kitchen this summer
buy into	Often used when someone is purchasing shares or a portion of a business, with the idea of becoming a part owner. It can also have a connotation of adopting a belief or idea. He decided to buy into the startup because he believed in its mission
sink money into	Often used in a negative context where someone allocates a significant amount of money into something that may not yield good returns, frequently implying waste. She sank a lot of money into that restaurant, but it never took off

Examples of usage

Many people choose to invest in the stock market for long-term growth.
She decided to invest in real estate as a way to diversify her portfolio.
Successful investors often research and analyze potential investments before making decisions.
Investing in education is one of the best ways to secure a prosperous future.
Venture capitalists invest in promising startups in exchange for equity.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

time

To spend time, energy, or resources in a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result.

Synonyms

allocate, commit, devote.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
invest	Typically mentioned when discussing the expenditure of time, effort, or energy towards achieving a goal, with an expected benefit. He invested a lot of effort in preparing for the exam. They invested their energy in developing the new software.
devote	Implies giving a large part of one's time, energy, or efforts to a particular activity or cause. Often used in personal and passionate contexts. She devoted her life to helping others. He devotes a lot of time to his studies.
commit	Used when pledging or dedicating oneself to a cause, task, or person. It often carries a sense of obligation or promise. He committed to finishing the project by the end of the month. They committed themselves to the charity work.
allocate	Refers to the distribution of resources, tasks, or time among different areas or people. Often used in project management or budgeting contexts. The manager has to allocate tasks among team members. They allocated funds for the new project.

Examples of usage

He invested a lot of time and effort into building his own business.
She decided to invest in learning a new skill to enhance her career prospects.
It is important to invest in relationships with family and friends for a fulfilling life.
The company invested heavily in research and development to stay ahead of competitors.
Successful people understand the value of investing in personal growth and development.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'invest' comes from the Latin 'investire', which means 'to clothe' or 'to surround'.
In the 15th century, its meaning evolved to include putting money into a venture or property.
Originally used in contexts like investing power or authority, it transitioned to finance during the late Middle Ages.

Finance

Investing can take many forms, including stocks, real estate, and bonds, each with different levels of risk.
Compound interest plays a crucial role in investing, where earnings from an investment generate more earnings over time.
The concept of risk vs. reward is fundamental in investing, where higher potential returns often come with greater risk.

Historical Context

The first stock market originated in Amsterdam in the 17th century, allowing people to invest in different companies.
In the 1920s, the stock market boom encouraged many to invest, leading to significant economic changes before the Great Depression began in 1929.
The establishment of mutual funds in the 1920s allowed individuals to pool money together to invest in a diversified portfolio.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'The Wolf of Wall Street' depict the high-stakes world of investing and the associated lifestyle.
The concept of 'investing' often shows up in storytelling as characters seek fortune or stability through smart financial choices.
Television shows such as 'Shark Tank' highlight the dynamics of investing in startups and the negotiations between entrepreneurs and investors.

Psychology

Behavioral finance studies how emotions and biases impact decision-making when it comes to investing.
The 'loss aversion' theory suggests people feel losses more intensely than gains, influencing their investment choices.
Social influence can also impact investing; people are more likely to invest in what their peers are investing in, known as herd behavior.

Translations

Translations of the word "invest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 investir

🇮🇳 निवेश करना

🇩🇪 investieren

🇮🇩 berinvestasi

🇺🇦 інвестувати

🇵🇱 inwestować

🇯🇵 投資する (とうしする)

🇫🇷 investir

🇪🇸 invertir

🇹🇷 yatırım yapmak

🇰🇷 투자하다 (tuja hada)

🇸🇦 استثمر

🇨🇿 investovat

🇸🇰 investovať

🇨🇳 投资 (tóuzī)

🇸🇮 investirati

🇮🇸 fjárfesta

🇰🇿 инвестиция жасау

🇬🇪 ინვესტირება

🇦🇿 investisiya etmək

🇲🇽 invertir

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,514 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5511 sewage
5512 pause
5513 latitude
5514 invest
5515 disappear
5516 redemption
5517 requisite
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