finance

[fi-nans, fahy-nans]

noun

1. the management of revenues; the conduct or transaction of money matters generally, especially those affecting the public, as in the fields of banking and investment.

2. finances, the monetary resources, as of a government, company, organization, or individual; revenue.

verb (used with object)

financed, financing 

1. to supply with money or capital; obtain money or credit for.

verb (used without object)

financed, financing 

1. to raise money or capital needed for financial operations.

finance

/ fɪˈnæns, ˈfaɪnæns /

noun

1. the system of money, credit, etc, esp with respect to government revenues and expenditures

2. funds or the provision of funds

3. (plural) funds; financial condition

verb

1. (tr) to provide or obtain funds, capital, or credit for

2. (intr) to manage or secure financial resources

Other Word Forms

• financeable adjective
• prefinance verb (used with object)
• self-finance verb (used with object)
• superfinance noun
• underfinance verb (used with object)
• unfinanced adjective
• well-financed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of finance¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English finaunce, from Anglo-French, Middle French finance, from fin(er) “to end, settle, pay” ( fine ² ) + -ance -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of finance¹

C14: from Old French, from finer to end, settle by payment

Example Sentences

The money is awarded as either gap financing or soft loans, which have little or no interest.

From Los Angeles Times

"We have to focus on the savings because regrettably the finances of this country are in terrible, terrible trouble," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

From BBC

Maria Stevenson runs it and now has Citizens Advice in the building too to help visitors with their finances, something she said has made an "astronomical" difference to those they help.

From BBC

That plant has been mothballed awaiting new contracts, amid uncertainty over the finances and viability of its owner.

From BBC

A recent survey by personal finance website NerdWallet found that more than 2 in 5 Americans said they would almost always opt for a retailer that offers free shipping over one that doesn’t.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• back 
• bankroll 
• fund 
• guarantee 
• promote 
• sponsor 
• subsidize 
• support 
• underwrite