divest - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
divest Word Meanings
- to take away someone's rights or possessions
- to rid oneself of something
- to sell off assets or investments
divest Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
divest Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/daɪˈvɛst/
US
/daɪˈvɛst/
divest Word Etymology
(a) di- (apart) + vestire (to dress) → (b) Latin to Old French to English. (c) Imagine removing a suit from a mannequin, symbolizing taking away something essential.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Divest means to take away rights or possessions, to rid oneself of something, or to sell off assets or investments. In business, it describes selling or winding down ownership in a company or asset, often for strategic, regulatory, or ethical reasons. People can divest their holdings, a government can divest state-owned enterprises, and a person can divest themselves of a habit or belief. The tone is formal and precise; it is less common in everyday talk than 'give up' or 'get rid of' but widely used in finance, law, and policy discussions. Related nouns include divestment and divested, and learners should note the prepositions like from or of depending on the sense.
Usage Reminders
- Use in formal/business contexts only; not for casual talk. Pair with from or of depending on sense. Often appears with stake, assets, or holdings. Remember the noun divestment and the adjective divested. Avoid confusing with invest or inheritance; note the opposite is invest. Use passive voice for corporate actions: be divested. Common collocations: divest from, divest of, divestment plan.
Common Misconceptions
- Divest is not the same as invest; opposite action.
- It does not always mean selling everything; it can be partial.
- Divestment is a noun; 'divest' is the verb.
- It can refer to rights, holdings, or beliefs, not only money.
- Be careful with 'divest from' vs 'divest of' depending on object.
Thinking Differences
English learners should note that divest is formal and finance/legal in tone; many contexts use from or of depending on what is being relinquished. Learners often confuse it with invest due to similar roots, and may overgeneralize to everyday purchases or personal life. Practice with corporate actions and with phrases like divest from a company or divest oneself of a habit.
Learning Tips
- memorize common collocations (divest from, divest of, divestment).
- differentiate divest from invest clearly.
- use in formal contexts like corporate reports.
- practice passive form: be divested of ownership.
- study noun/adj forms: divestment, divested.
- read real-world cases of corporate divestitures.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'divest'?
A.To strip away or remove
B.To give away possessions
C.To invest money
D.To acquire new assets
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of the word 'divest' in a sentence.
A.The company plans to divest its non-core business segments.
B.The chef chose to divest by buying all new utensils.
C.He was excited to divest his old clothes for the winter.
D.She decided to divest her collection of stamps.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'divest'?
A.Retain
B.Acquire
C.Dispose
D.Collect
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'divest'?
A.Obtain
B.Discharge
C.Remove
D.Deplete
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone would need to 'divest' something?
A.When someone buys new clothes for a new season.
B.When an investor decides to sell off stocks that are underperforming.
C.When a restaurant adds more items to its menu.
D.When a business reorganizes its management team.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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