Vested Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈvɛstɪd/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A investment or asset in which a person or entity has a direct financial interest, typically resulting in a claim on the asset.

Examples

• The company’s stakeholders are vested in the success of the project.
• The shareholders are vested with significant control over the company.

Synonyms

• Investment
• Asset
• Interest

Antonyms

• Liability
• Debt

Additional Information

Vested interests can refer to either tangible assets or intangible rights. In a business context, it is common for companies to issue shares or options to their employees as a form of compensation, which can result in the employee becoming vested in the company’s success. In a broader sense, the concept of vested interests can also be applied to individuals who have a stake in a particular issue or outcome.

Etymology

The word “Vested” comes from the Old French word “vestu”, meaning “dressed” or “clothed”, and the Latin word “vestire”, meaning “to put on” or “to clothe”. In the context of finance and business, the term “vested” likely refers to the idea of being invested or clothed with a claim or interest in an asset or investment.

Usage Notes

In formal or professional contexts, it is common to use “Vested” in a passive sense, such as “The company’s stakeholders are vested in the project’s success”. However, in more casual or conversational contexts, it is also acceptable to use “Vested” in a more active sense, such as “I am vested in this new business venture and am excited to see where it takes us”.

Cultural References

The concept of vested interests is often referenced in popular culture, such as in films and literature that explore themes of power and influence. For example, the novel “The Bonfire of the Vanities” by Tom Wolfe features a character who is invested in the success of a particular investment bank and is said to be “vested in its success”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

A few idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “Vested” include:

• “Vested interest” – a personal or financial interest in a particular outcome.
• “Vesting period” – the time period during which an investment or asset becomes fully owned or controlled.
• “Vestment” – a formal ceremony or ritual in which a person is vested with a particular role or office.

Related Words or Phrases

• Investment
• Asset
• Interest
• Claim
• Stake

Collocations

• “Vested in the success of the project”
• “Has a vested interest in the outcome”
• “The company is looking to vest its employees with ownership shares”

Frequency of Use

The word “Vested” is commonly used in formal and professional contexts, such as business and finance, and is typically used in a more passive sense. However, with the increasing focus on employee ownership and participation in the modern workplace, the use of “Vested” is becoming more frequent and widespread in other contexts as well.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of “Vested” include:

• Vest
• Veested
• Vestted
• Veste