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."
"Learning to drive involves practice, patience and a lot of road signs to memorise."
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."
"Don't involve me in your quarrel; I want to stay out of it."
"The school tries to involve parents in activities throughout the year."
How to use involve
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- involves
- Past tense
- involved
- Archaic forms
- involvest, involvedst, involveth
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").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
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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