Vesting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vesting

[หˆvษ›stษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

finance agreement

Vesting refers to the process by which an employee earns the right to receive benefits from their employer's retirement plan or stock options after a certain period of time. This concept often applies to defined benefit plans, stock options, and retirement savings plans. With vesting, employees typically must work for a certain number of years before they gain full ownership of certain benefits. It encourages employee retention and aligns their interests with the company's long-term success.

Synonyms

accrual, entitlement, ownership.

Examples of usage

  • The employee completed the vesting period for her stock options.
  • After four years of service, he reached 100% vesting in his retirement plan.
  • The company offers a tiered vesting schedule for its employee stock ownership plan.
Context #2 | Verb

legal right

To vest means to grant someone a legal right or privilege, typically concerning property or benefits. In legal terms, once a right vests, it is secured and cannot be taken away. This verb is often used in contexts related to benefits associated with employment or real estate. Vesting is essential in clarifying the rights of parties in a legal agreement, ensuring that individuals understand what they are entitled to over time.

Synonyms

bestow, confer, grant.

Examples of usage

  • The company will vest the employee's rights after three years.
  • The court ruled that the property would vest in the beneficiary upon death.
  • She decided to vest her rights to the pension plan.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Finance

  • In the context of retirement accounts, vesting determines when employees fully own contributions their employer makes on their behalf.
  • Fully vested typically means you've worked a certain number of years and can take the entirety of your retirement benefits with you if you change jobs.
  • Different companies have different vesting schedules, which can range from immediate to several years.

Law

  • Vesting is crucial in property law regarding how ownership rights transfer between people or companies after certain criteria are met.
  • Trusts and estates also utilize vesting to define when a beneficiary has a right to the assets of an estate.
  • In some legal contexts, vesting can protect rights against premature loss, ensuring fair treatment over time.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of vesting is often referenced in movies and television shows involving corporate culture and employee relationships, highlighting the importance of loyalty and tenure.
  • In the popular series 'The Office', characters often deal with workplace benefits, subtly showcasing moments related to the concept of vesting.
  • Music lyrics may mention vesting metaphorically to discuss commitment and loyalty over time in relationships.

Psychology

  • Vesting can be linked to the psychological principle of delayed gratification, where individuals must wait to enjoy the full benefits of their hard work.
  • Studies show that people tend to value rewards more highly if they have to work for them over time, impacting motivation and job satisfaction.
  • The sense of ownership that develops when one is vested in something can lead to increased commitment and emotional investment.

Origin of 'vesting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'vesting' comes from the Latin word 'vestire', meaning 'to dress or wear', symbolizing putting on a right or benefit over time.
  • It first appeared in English law in the 16th century to indicate that someone was granted rights to property or benefits once certain conditions were met.
  • In legal terms, vesting relates to personal rights that become official and secure after certain conditions are satisfied.

The term 'vesting' has its origins in the Latin word 'vestire,' meaning 'to clothe' or 'to invest.' It was initially used in legal contexts related to property rights in the English legal system. Over time, particularly in the 20th century, the term evolved to encompass the concept of employees gaining ownership of their benefits from employers. This development was significant in shaping employee compensation packages, particularly in the realm of retirement planning and stock options. The language of vesting became more prevalent as companies sought to incentivize and retain employees by linking their financial rewards to their tenure with the organization.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,834, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.