What is venture? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of venture

venturenoun

/ˈvɛn(t)ʃə/
Definition & pronunciation of venture

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "venture" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • VEN-chur

Let's break that down further:

  • VEN: This sounds like the word "venom" but without the "om". It's a short, sharp "v" sound.
  • chur: This is where it can trip people up. It’s a “ch” sound like in “church,” followed by a “ur” sound like in “burn.” It's a single syllable.

Here’s a phonetic spelling to help you: /ˈvɛntʃər/

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("VEN").
  • The “ch” sound: Make sure you’re producing a clear "ch" sound, not a "j" sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce venture" on Google and listen to the audio results.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/venture/ – This website has native speakers pronounce the word.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce venture" – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Say the word aloud?
  • Give you another similar word to practice with (like "venture" sound like)?

Usage and examples with the word venture in English

Let's break down how to use the word "venture" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding those nuances is key.

1. As a Verb (To Undertake a Risky Undertaking)

  • Core Meaning: This is the most common usage. "Venture" as a verb means to undertake something risky, uncertain, or challenging. It suggests a willingness to take a chance.

  • Examples:

    • “I ventured into the dark forest, hoping to find the lost trail.” (Risky, unknown path)
    • “They ventured into new markets to expand their business.” (Uncertain success)
    • "She ventured to disagree with the CEO, despite the potential consequences." (Challenging, potentially negative)
    • “Don’t venture out alone at night.” (Risky activity)

  • Synonyms: Risk, attempt, brave, gamble, undertake, explore.

2. As a Noun (An Undertaking or a Risk)

  • Core Meaning: When “venture” is used as a noun, it refers to the undertaking itself, or the risk involved.

  • Examples:

    • “Starting a new business is a venture.” (The entire undertaking)
    • “He made a lucrative venture in the tech industry.” (A successful risky undertaking)
    • “The company’s venture capital arm invests in promising startups.” (The department/fund focused on risky investments)
    • “It was a bold venture, and they almost lost everything.” (The risky attempt)

  • Synonyms: Enterprise, project, undertaking, scheme, investment.

3. More Formal/Literary Usage (To Journey or Travel)

  • Core Meaning: In older English, particularly in literature, “venture” could simply mean “to journey” or “to travel,” especially into an unfamiliar or difficult place. This is less common in modern usage.

  • Example: "The explorers ventured into the Amazon rainforest." (Meaning they traveled there.)

Tips for Using "Venture" Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "venture" will be clear based on how it’s used in a sentence.
  • Think "risk": When using it as a verb, it often carries a feeling of taking a risk.
  • Consider the formality: It’s a slightly more formal word than “try” or “attempt.”

Let's test your understanding!

Here are some sentences. Choose the best way to use "venture" in each sentence:

  1. “I’m going to _______ a new hobby – pottery!” (as a verb)
  2. “That real estate deal was a risky _______.” (as a noun)
  3. “The sailors _______ into the unknown ocean.” (as a verb)

Answers:

  1. venture (as a verb – “I’m going to attempt a new hobby”)
  2. venture (as a noun – “That real estate deal was a risky undertaking”)
  3. venture (as a verb – “The sailors journeyed into the unknown ocean.”, although ‘traveled’ is equally acceptable.)

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "venture"?
  • Provide a quiz to test your knowledge further?
  • Explain how "venture" differs from similar words like "risk" or “challenge”?

Synonyms for the word venture

Practice with vocabulary venture

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The small technology firm decided to ______ into the highly competitive AI market, despite the significant upfront investment required.
  2. Launching a satellite into orbit is an extremely complex and costly ______, requiring international collaboration and meticulous planning.
  3. After years of planning, the intrepid explorers were finally ready to ______ deep into the uncharted Amazon rainforest.
  4. The company's new environmental ______ aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% over the next five years, aligning with its sustainability goals.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words can refer to a business undertaking that involves risk, especially a new one? a) enterprise b) speculation c) project d) venture

  2. If someone "ventures an opinion," what are they doing? a) firmly stating a fact b) cautiously expressing an idea c) loudly proclaiming a belief d) withholding their thoughts

  3. Which words describe a daring or risky journey into unknown territory? a) excursion b) quest c) expedition d) venture

  4. Which of these describes a careful consideration or estimation, often without complete factual information, based on likelihood? a) certainty b) analysis c) conjecture d) proof

  5. Which words suggest a strong, determined effort to achieve something difficult or ambitious? a) venture b) mission c) endeavor d) pastime

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Establishing a new company in that volatile market was perceived as a significant risk. Rewrite: (Use "venture" or a related word form)

  2. Original: Despite his reservations, he dared to express his opinion during the heated debate. Rewrite: (Use "venture" or a related word form)

  3. Original: The non-profit organization launched a major new project to provide clean water to rural communities. Rewrite: (Do NOT use "venture", but use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. venture
  2. undertaking
  3. venture
  4. initiative

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) enterprise, d) venture
  2. b) cautiously expressing an idea
  3. b) quest, c) expedition, d) venture
  4. c) conjecture
  5. b) mission, c) endeavor

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Establishing a new company in that volatile market was perceived as a significant venture.
  2. Despite his reservations, he decided to venture his opinion during the heated debate.
  3. The non-profit organization launched a major new initiative to provide clean water to rural communities.

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