invest
UK[ɪnˈvɛst]US[ɪnˈvɛst]
v
To commit money or capital to a financial venture with the expectation of achieving a profit.
v
To devote time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the hope of a worthwhile result.
v
To formally endow with power, authority, or rank.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
vest
in
vest
Etymology
The word 'invest' entered English in the mid-16th century from Italian 'investire' and ultimately from Latin 'investire', meaning 'to clothe, to surround'. The financial sense developed from the earlier meaning of 'to clothe with the insignia of office', which involved a ceremonial endowment of power or authority. This concept evolved metaphorically: just as one is clothed in authority, capital is clothed or enveloped into an enterprise. Thus, the core logic progressed from the literal act of dressing or surrounding to the abstract acts of endowing with qualities and committing resources for future gain.
Analysis
Structure: in + vest
- in (Latin): A prefix meaning 'in, into, on, upon'.
- vest (Latin): A root from 'vestire', meaning 'to clothe, to dress'.
Examples
She decided to invest a portion of her savings in government bonds.
You need to invest more time in practicing if you want to master the skill.
The ceremony was held to formally invest the new president with his powers.