What is invest? Pronunciation and usage in English

invest means . Learn how to pronounce and use invest through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of invest

investverb

/ɪnˈvɛst/
Definition & pronunciation of invest

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "invest" in English. It’s a trickier word than it looks because of the silent "i". Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "ves": This part is pretty straightforward. It sounds like "vess" – like the word "vest" but with a more open "e" sound. Think of it like you’re saying "vess" and then adding a "t" at the end.

2. The Silent "i":

  • This is the key! The "i" before the "ves" is silent. It's a common issue for English learners.

3. Putting it Together:

  • "in-ves": The "in" sound is similar to the "in" in "pin" or "win." Combine that with "ves" (as described above).

Here's a few ways to hear it:

  • Google it: Search for "how to pronounce invest" on Google. You’ll find numerous audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/invest/ – Forvo is a website with pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search “how to pronounce invest” on YouTube.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't pronounce the "i": This is the most important thing!
  • Focus on the "ves" sound: Make sure you’re saying "vess" clearly.
  • Listen to native speakers: The more you hear it, the better you’ll get at saying it naturally.

Do you want me to:

  • Provide a phonetic transcription (using the International Phonetic Alphabet)?
  • Give you some similar words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word invest in English

Let's break down how to use the word "invest" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a breakdown of the main ways to use it:

1. Investing Money (Most Common)

  • Definition: To put money into something with the expectation of getting a return – usually financial profit – in the future.

  • Example Sentences:

    • "I'm going to invest some money in stocks." (Placing money in the stock market)
    • "She invested in real estate five years ago, and it’s paid off well." (Purchasing property with the goal of profit)
    • "He invests in ethical companies, meaning companies that do good for the environment and society." (Choosing a company to support based on values)
    • "Don't invest all your money in one thing – diversify your portfolio." (Spread your investments across different assets)

  • Key Phrases:

    • Invest in: (e.g., Invest in a company, Invest in your education)
    • Return on investment (ROI): The profit earned from an investment. (e.g., "The ROI on that investment was 20%.")
    • Portfolio: The collection of investments a person or company owns. (e.g., "I need to diversify my portfolio.")

2. Investing Time and Effort

  • Definition: To devote time, energy, and resources to something with the intention of achieving a specific outcome. It's about putting in the work.

  • Example Sentences:

    • "I'm going to invest time in learning a new language." (Dedicate time to studying)
    • "She invested a lot of effort in preparing for the presentation." (Put in hard work)
    • "We need to invest in our relationship." (Spend time and attention on strengthening a relationship)
    • "He invested heavily in his career, taking courses and networking." (Put significant effort into his career)

  • Key Phrases:

    • Invest in: (e.g., Invest in your skills, Invest in your health)
    • Time and energy: (e.g., "I want to invest more time and energy in my hobbies.")

3. Investing Attention or Interest

  • Definition: To focus your attention or interest on something.
  • Example Sentences:
    • “I'm going to invest my attention in finishing this report.” (Focus on completing the report)
    • “She invested her interest in the subject of archaeology.” (Developed a strong interest in archaeology)
    • “The company is investing its attention on developing new products.” (Focusing resources on innovation)

4. (Less Common - Formal Usage) Investing a Charge

  • Definition: This refers to placing a charge (like a fee) on something. You'll mostly hear this in legal or formal contexts.
  • Example: "The law invests a penalty for violating the terms of the contract."

Tips for Using "Invest":

  • Context is key: Pay very close attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Strong Verbs: "Invest" is a strong, active verb. It implies deliberate action and purpose.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you hoping to use "invest" in? (e.g., a specific sentence, a general conversation, an essay?)

Synonyms for the word invest

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