B1verb1K

Invest

UK /["/ɪnˈvest/","/ɪnˈvests/","/ɪnˈvestɪd/","/ɪnˈvestɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪnˈvest/","/ɪnˈvests/","/ɪnˈvestɪd/","/ɪnˈvestɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to buy property, shares in a company, etc. in the hope of making a profit

In simple words: To put money or time into something to make it grow or improve.

Examples

  • Many people choose to invest in the stock market to grow their savings.
  • He decided to invest time in learning a new language.
  • The company plans to invest heavily in renewable energy sources.
  • It's important to invest your resources wisely to achieve your goals.
  • She believes that to invest in education is to invest in the future.

Usage notes

Commonly used in financial contexts, such as investing in stocks or property. Avoid using in casual conversations unless discussing money matters. Can also refer to time or effort in personal projects.

Grammar pattern

invest + object

Memory hint

Think of 'in-vest' as putting money 'in' a 'vest' to keep it safe and grow.

Collocations

  • aggressively
  • heavily
  • directly
  • be willing to
  • look to
  • plan to
  • for
  • in
  • aggressively
  • heavily
  • directly
  • be willing to
  • look to
  • plan to
  • for
  • in
  • aggressively
  • heavily
  • directly
  • be willing to
  • look to
  • plan to
  • for
  • in

Synonyms

  • allocate
  • commit
  • finance
  • support
  • back

Antonyms

  • divest
  • withdraw
  • retract

Common mistakes

  • 'Invest with' vs. 'invest in' confusion.
  • Using 'invest' without an object.
  • Confusing 'invest' with 'spend' when talking about money.