Investor
/ɪnˈvɛstər/
Definitions
A person or organization that puts money into financial schemes, property, etc., with the expectation of achieving a profit.
/ɪnˈvɛstər/
A person who commits money or capital in the expectation of obtaining an additional return.
The investor decided to back the startup with a significant amount of capital.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have some money and you want more! An investor is someone who puts their money into things like companies or stocks, hoping the money will grow and make them even more money. They are basically gamblers, but for grown-ups. If you want to double your money, you give it to an investor and they invest in something so it grows.
👶 For kids: An investor is someone who gives money to a company or a project so that they can make more money later.
More Examples
Individual investors often rely on financial advisors for guidance.
A cautious investor will diversify their portfolio to reduce risk.
How It's Used
"The investor was looking for high-yield returns."
"Institutional investors have significant market influence."
"Foreign investors play a vital role in developing economies."
Idioms & expressions
angel investor
A wealthy individual who provides capital for a business startup, usually in exchange for convertible debt or ownership equity.
"The startup secured funding from an angel investor to launch their product."
institutional investor
An organization that invests on behalf of others, such as a pension fund, insurance company, or mutual fund.
"Institutional investors hold significant influence in the stock market."
From Latin *investire* ("to clothe, adorn, endow") via Italian *investire* to "to put money into something for profit".
The term 'investor' gained prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries with the rise of stock markets and financial institutions.
Memory tip
Think of the 'in' in investor as meaning 'into' something, like money into a business.