investment

Everyday

1. An investment is money you put into something, like a business, shares or property, hoping to get more money back later. tree →
2. An investment is the thing you put money into. tree →
3. An investment is time, effort or money spent on something that will be useful later, like studying. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and money lessons, investment problems use interest and percentages to show how money grows. In everyday life, buying good shoes can be «a good investment». Phrases: a good investment, a wise investment, return on investment, investment in.

Examples

• Dad made an investment in a small bakery. tree →
• A good pair of boots is a wise investment for winter. tree →
• Learning to read well is an investment in your future. tree →
• The bank offered 5% interest on her investment. tree →
• Houses can be a good investment. tree →
• If you invest 200 dollars and get 10% interest, your investment grows to 220 dollars. tree →
• The town's investment in a new park made people happy. tree →

Note

Verb: invest; person: investor. Investments can lose money as well as gain. In maths: 10% of 200 = 20, so 200 grows to 220 after one year; «return on investment» = money gained compared with money put in.