Involve
/ɪnˈvɒlv/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo have or include someone or something as a necessary part or result.
/ɪnˈvɒlv/
To include or affect someone or something.
The investigation involved several witnesses.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're planning a party. If you say 'The party will involve games,' it means you're going to have games at the party. It means that those things are going to be part of it.
👶 For kids: To include or be a part of something, like when you're playing a game and you're involved in it!
More Examples
The new regulations will involve changes to our current procedures.
The charity event will involve fundraising activities.
How It's Used
"The project will involve several departments."
"This acquisition will involve a significant investment."
To cause or allow someone or something to take part in or be connected with something.
/ɪnˈvɒlv/
To cause someone to take part in an activity or situation.
I try not to involve my family in my work problems.
💡 Simply: Think of a group project. If you 'involve' someone, it means you ask them to work with you on it or let them participate in the project.
👶 For kids: To let someone do something with you, like if you involve your friend in your game!
More Examples
The investigation is likely to involve more people than initially expected.
She didn't want to involve herself in the school politics.
How It's Used
"She didn't want to involve herself in the argument."
"The company's executives were directly involved in the scandal."
To relate to or affect someone or something.
/ɪnˈvɒlv/
To concern someone or something.
The matter doesn't involve me.
💡 Simply: If something 'involves' you, it means it's about you or connected to you, like, 'This conversation doesn't involve you' means you don't need to worry or listen.
👶 For kids: If something involves you, it means it has something to do with you, like when a game involves you playing in it.
More Examples
The project's success involves your cooperation.
This decision does not involve any risk for you.
How It's Used
"The decision doesn't involve you."
Synonyms
Entail
Include
Incorporate
Associate
Connect
Engage
Affect
Concern
Idioms & expressions
involve someone in
To include or make someone a part of something.
"We should involve the students in the decision-making process."
From Latin *involvere* meaning 'to roll up, envelop,' from *in-* 'in, on' + *volvere* 'to roll.' It initially meant to wrap or enclose, gradually expanding to encompass participation or inclusion.
The word 'involve' has been used since the 16th century, initially to mean 'to roll up or envelop.' Its meaning has gradually expanded to include participation and implication.
Memory tip
Think of a puzzle. Each piece *involves* being part of the whole picture.