Investiture
/ɪnˈvɛstɪtʃər/
nounC1
Definition
Investiture means a formal event where a person is officially given a job, rank, or honor. During this event, the person often receives signs of their new role, like a badge, crown, or special clothes. It is usually a serious and important ceremony.
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See It in Action
A formal ceremony giving someone a rank or office
- •The prince’s investiture was held in the royal palace.
- •During the investiture, the new judge received a special robe.
- •The university held an investiture for the new chancellor.
The act of formally giving power or authority
- •The investiture of the president marks the start of their term.
- •The bishop’s investiture included receiving a staff and ring.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "investiture" like "ceremony" (A2 word), but very official and about giving power or a special job
- ✓Picture a king or queen wearing a crown for the first time in a big hall full of people watching
- ✓It's the feeling of pride and responsibility when someone is chosen to lead or be honored
- ✓Sounds like "in-VEST-it-cher" → imagine putting on a special "vest" that shows you have a new important role
- ✓Remember scenes in movies where a new president or leader is sworn in with a big event and lots of people present
- ✓NOT like "party" (fun and casual), investiture is formal and serious
- ✓NOT like "promotion" (just a new job), investiture includes a public ceremony and symbols of power
- ✓NOT like "graduation" (finishing school), investiture is about starting a new official role
Try Other Words
- •Inauguration: a formal ceremony to begin a new position (Use when referring to political or official starts, like presidents or mayors)
- •Installation: the act of placing someone into a position (Use when focusing on the process of putting someone in charge)
- •Coronation: a ceremony where a king or queen is given a crown (Use only for kings and queens)
- •Appointment: the act of choosing someone for a job or role (Use when focusing on the decision, not the ceremony)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "in-" (into) + "vestire" (Latin for "to clothe, dress") → literally means "to dress into" or "put on"
- •Etymology: From Latin "investire," meaning to dress or clothe someone with authority or rank
- •Historical development: Originally meant putting on special clothes for a role; now means the ceremony giving power or office
- •Modern usage: Used for formal ceremonies where people receive official roles, especially in government, religion, or royalty
Reflect & Connect
•How do you feel when you watch or hear about an investiture ceremony? Does it seem important or old-fashioned?
•Can investiture happen without a ceremony? How does the ceremony change the meaning of giving power?
Fill in the blanks
1.The investiture ceremony ___ the person’s new role with special clothes and symbols.
2.During an investiture, people usually feel ___ because they receive an important job.
3.An investiture is different from a simple promotion because it includes a ___ event.
4.The president’s investiture marks the ___ of their official duties.
5.A coronation is a type of investiture, but it only happens for ___.
6.The investiture often involves ___ items like robes, crowns, or badges.
7.After the investiture, the person is expected to ___ their new responsibilities seriously.