venture
VEN-chur
/ˈven.tʃər/
A risky or daring journey or undertaking; to dare to do something or go somewhere that may be dangerous or unpleasant.
Carries a strong connotation of risk and potential reward.
The story behind the word. Originally, a 'venture' was simply 'that which happens.' Over time, it came to mean 'that which happens by chance,' and eventually, a project where you take a chance on a specific outcome.
Word relationships
- enterprise: Enterprise sounds more professional and organized; venture sounds riskier.
- gamble: Gamble implies luck; venture implies a calculated risk.
- safety: The state of being protected from risk.
Commonly confused with
- adventure: Adventure is the experience; venture is the specific project or act of daring.
Word family
- adventurous (adjective): Willing to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas, or experiences.
Collocations
- joint venture
- venture capital
- venture forth
- risky venture
Idioms & expressions
- Nothing ventured, nothing gained
Example sentences
- "The two companies joined together in a new joint venture to develop solar technology." Business risk.
- "Few explorers would venture into the cave without proper lighting and safety gear." Physical exploration.
Memory hook
Think of an 'Ad-venture' without the 'Ad'—it's just the risky part! A risky step forward.
When not to use
Don't use for a safe, guaranteed activity.
Fun facts
- In the 1600s, 'Merchant Adventurers' were companies of traders who took huge risks to bring goods from overseas.
Related words
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