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verb B1 Intermediate Common

involve

ihn-VOLV

Involve (verb) means to include something as a necessary part. Example: “The job involves a lot of travel.”

verb
1
To include something as a necessary part.
"The job involves a lot of travel."
"Baking bread involves careful timing."
2
To bring someone into a situation so that they take part or are affected.
"They decided to involve the whole team in the decision."

How to use involve

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo include something as part of a process, or to bring someone into a situation.

Common pairings
involve risk get involved involve someone in a decision

Word forms

involved past tense, involve plural, involved plural, involves singular, involve singular, involved singular, involvest singular, involvedst singular, involveth singular

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Test yourself on “involve” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The job _____ a lot of travel.

Etymology

From Latin involvere, "to roll into, wrap up, or envelop" (in- + volvere, "to roll").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for involve

See all rhymes for involve →

Frequently asked questions

What does “involve” mean?

The word “involve” means to include something as a necessary part. In plain terms, to include something as part of a process, or to bring someone into a situation.

How do you pronounce “involve”?

“Involve” is pronounced ihn-VOLV (/ɪnˈvɑlv/ in IPA).

How do you use “involve” in a sentence?

Here is “involve” used in a sentence: “The job involves a lot of travel.”

What part of speech is “involve”?

“Involve” is a verb.

Where does the word “involve” come from?

The word “involve” comes from Latin. From Latin involvere, "to roll into, wrap up, or envelop" (in- + volvere, "to roll").

Is “involve” a common word?

“Involve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “involve” have?

“Involve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to include something as a necessary part.

What is the difference between "involve" and "include"?

"Involve" often means to make something a necessary part or consequence, as in "the job involves travel," implying it cannot be avoided. "Include" simply means to contain something as one part among others, without the same sense of necessity.

What preposition follows "involve"?

"Involve" is usually followed by "in," as in "she was involved in the project" or "don't involve me in your argument." You involve someone in an activity or situation.

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