Invest (vi/vt)

Here is a context clues worksheet on the verb invest. It is used both intransitively and transitively, and the sentences in this document point to both meanings with their context clues. Intransitively, invest means simply “to make an investment.” Transitively, which is where this verb comes to life, invest means “to commit (money) in order to earn a financial return,” “to make use of for future benefits or advantages <~ed her time wisely>,” and “to involve or engage, especially emotionally.” Because I worked at a economics- and finance-themed high school for ten years, you won’t be surprised to hear that it’s the first of those three definitions that students should infer from these sentences.

Incidentally, invest as a transitive verb also carries the definitions “to array in the symbols of office or honor,” “to furnish with power or authority,” and “to grant someone control or authority over.” You’ll see invest used this way to describe the ascent to power of political officials, particularly monarchs.

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