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fund

n. · v.
US //ˈfənd// UK //fˈʌnd// fund
  1. 1 a sum of money (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Finance

    an amount of money that is kept for a particular purpose.

    a reserve of money set aside for a specific objective or contingency.

    Example

    The school started a fund to buy new computers for the library.

    Example

    The emergency fund was established to ensure the charity could continue its operations even during periods of reduced public donations.

  2. 2 investment vehicle (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Finance

    a company or service that manages money for many people to invest it.

    a financial organization or collective investment scheme, such as a mutual fund or pension fund.

    Example

    He decided to put his savings into a low-risk index fund.

    Example

    The hedge fund manager faced intense scrutiny after the portfolio's value dropped significantly during the market downturn.

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  1. 3 a large supply (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    a large amount of something useful that you can use when needed.

    a metaphorical store or abundant supply of a non-monetary resource.

    Example

    The professor has a deep fund of knowledge about ancient history.

    Example

    Her long career in diplomacy provided her with a vast fund of anecdotes that she used to charm her guests at dinner.

  2. 4 to provide money (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to provide the money needed for a project, person, or organization.

    to provide capital or financial backing for a specific venture or entity. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    The government agreed to fund the construction of the new highway.

    Example

    The research project was primarily funded by a private grant from a technological foundation interested in renewable energy.

    • defund
Origin

PIE word *bʰudʰmḗn Borrowed from Latin fundus. Doublet of fond and fundus.

Word family

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