WordGarden.ioinvolve
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnvˈɒlv/
US
- /ˌɪnˈvɑlv/
Meanings
Verb
to include something as a necessary part or result
to cause someone to take part in or be affected by something
to connect someone with a crime, scandal, or wrongdoing
Beyond the definition
To involve someone or something means to include them in something, make them take part, or make something necessary. In a detective story, the police may involve witnesses by asking them questions. In baking, flour, sugar, and eggs are involved in making the final cake. It can also mean being connected to something, as in "He was involved in an accident," or taking part in something, as in "She was involved in the school play." A difficult plan may involve extra time, money, or problems you did not expect.
The word "involve" has a flexible meaning, but the main idea is clear: one person, thing, or action is connected to another in an important way. At its core, to involve means to include someone or something as part of an activity, event, or situation. For example: "Volunteering at the animal shelter involves cleaning cages and feeding animals." This shows that these tasks are a necessary part of the experience.
However, "involve" is not always positive. It can also mean being connected to something, often in a way you did not choose. "He was involved in a dispute with his neighbor" suggests that he became part of an argument. Or consider: "The investigation involves several suspects," meaning they are linked to the case.
"Involve" can also describe what something needs or includes. "This project will involve a lot of teamwork and communication." Here, it shows what the project requires. In the same way, "The trip involves a three-hour drive" means that the drive is part of the trip.
Another common use appears in the phrase "be involved in," which often means "take part in" or "be active in." If someone is involved in a school club, a business, or a community project, they spend time and energy on it and play a real part in it.
So, whether it is about including people, requiring certain parts, being connected to an event, or taking part in something, "involve" is a word about connection. It shows how people, actions, and situations become tied together.
Examples
- 1
Work duties
My job involves a lot of travel.
- 2
Business risk
Starting a business involves taking risks.
- Patterninvolve doing something
include that action as a necessary part
- 3
Accident report
The crash involved three cars, but no one was badly hurt.
- 4
Workplace rules
The new rules will involve everyone in the department.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Family decisions
Try to involve the children in simple decisions at home.
- Patterninvolve someone in something
include them and let them take part
- 6
Conflict
I don't want to get involved in their argument.
- Patternget involved in something
become part of it or take part in it
- 7
Local politics
She has been involved in local politics for years.
- 8
Crime connection
He was involved with a group that stole credit card numbers.
- Patternbe involved with someone/something
be connected to them, often in a negative or serious situation
- 9
Complicated instructions
The instructions are more involved than they first appear.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- involve doing something
- involve risk
- involve a lot of work
- involve several steps
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- involveverb
Forms
- involvedpast tenseverb
- involving-ing formverb
- involvesverb