buy into: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “buy into” mean?
To accept an idea, belief, or concept as true or valid.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To accept an idea, belief, or concept as true or valid; to believe in.
To invest money or resources in a business, scheme, or project; to become a shareholder or stakeholder. Figuratively, to commit oneself intellectually or emotionally to a concept.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in meaning and frequency. The financial sense is slightly more common in American business contexts.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly informal in both varieties.
Frequency
Common in both varieties, with no significant disparity.
Grammar
How to Use “buy into” in a Sentence
Subject + buy into + noun phrase (idea/company)Subject + buy into + the idea that + clauseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “buy into” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team didn't buy into the manager's new tactics.
- He bought into the firm for a six-figure sum.
American English
- She never bought into the whole mindfulness trend.
- We're looking to buy into a franchise.
adjective
British English
- The buy-in from stakeholders was crucial. (Note: 'buy-in' as a related noun)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Investors were eager to buy into the new tech startup.
Academic
Few scholars buy into the deterministic model of history.
Everyday
I just can't buy into the idea that luck determines everything.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “buy into”
- Using 'buy in' interchangeably (though related, 'buy in' often refers specifically to contributing money or agreeing to participate).
- Using it with a direct object without 'into' (e.g., 'I buy the idea' is possible but different from 'I buy into the idea').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot say 'buy the idea into'.
'Buy into' often implies a process of being convinced or accepting something that might require persuasion. 'Believe in' can be a more inherent or longstanding belief.
It is acceptable in formal contexts when used in its metaphorical sense, though alternatives like 'endorse' or 'subscribe to' may be preferred. The financial sense is standard in formal business writing.
Yes, the related noun is 'buy-in' (often hyphenated), meaning agreement or support, especially from a group.
To accept an idea, belief, or concept as true or valid.
Buy into: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ ˈɪntuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ ˈɪntuː/ or /ˌbaɪ ˈɪntə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Buy into the hype”
- “Buy into the dream”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of literally buying a ticket to enter (into) a cinema; you've paid to be part of the experience. Similarly, to 'buy into' an idea is to pay with your belief to be part of that worldview.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE COMMODITIES / BELIEF IS AN INVESTMENT (We 'purchase' ideas with our intellectual commitment).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'buy into' used in its financial sense?