investment

/ɪnˈvestmənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈvestmənt/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈves(t)-mənt/ (ame, mw)

investment — noun

  • investmentsingular
  • investmentsplural

1. money you put into a financial arrangement, such as buying company shares or rea

1.名詞B1
釋義

money you put into a financial arrangement, such as buying company shares or real estate, because you expect it to earn more money over time.

例句

Daichi made a smart investment in a small tech company that later became very successful.

investment in [company]

The couple considered buying a rental property as a long-term investment for their retirement.

long-term investment

同義詞
  • capital

    refers to the money or assets themselves, not the act of placing them

  • outlay

    focuses on the spending side; less emphasis on expected profit or return

  • speculation

    implies higher risk and shorter time frame, often with less research

反義詞
  • divestment

    the act of selling off or withdrawing investments

  • loss

    the opposite of a favourable financial outcome

文法句型

investment in [something]

make an investment

[adjective] investment

用法筆記

Countable when referring to a specific financial asset ("a good investment"), but uncountable when referring to the general activity ("Investment in renewable energy is growing steadily").

常見錯誤

❌I need to make an investment into my life.
✅I need to invest in my health.
💡'make an investment in' is used for financial assets or concrete ventures, not abstract self-improvement.
❌The investment of stock market is risky.
✅Investment in the stock market is risky.
💡the preposition after 'investment' is usually 'in', not 'of', when referring to the target.

2. the time, energy, or personal attention you give to a project, relationship, or

2.名詞B2
釋義

the time, energy, or personal attention you give to a project, relationship, or activity because you believe the result will be valuable or rewarding.

例句

Learning a new language requires a huge investment of time and patience.

investment of time

The teacher's investment in her students went far beyond simple classroom instruction.

investment in someone

同義詞
  • commitment

    stresses obligation or dedication; lacks the connotation of expecting a return

  • dedication

    implies stronger emotional attachment and loyalty over time

反義詞
  • neglect

    failing to give enough time or attention

文法句型

investment of [resource]

investment in [person/activity]

[adjective] investment

用法筆記

Always uncountable in this metaphorical sense. Commonly paired with adjectives such as 'emotional', 'personal', 'significant', and 'worthwhile'. Unlike sense 1, this sense does not take a plural form — 'investments of time' is possible but rare and formal.