vested interest

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Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A personal stake or involvement in something, typically with an expectation of gain: A "vested interest" is a strong personal reason for wanting something to happen or be maintained, especially because you benefit from it.
    • (In law) A right or title to the present or future enjoyment of property: This refers to an interest that is established, fixed, and can be transferred to another person.
Usage and Examples
  • Noun (General Usage):
    • The local landowners have a vested interest in keeping property values high.
    • As a major shareholder, she has a vested interest in the company's success.
  • Noun (Legal Usage):
    • The trust grants him a vested interest in the estate upon turning 25.
Advanced Usage
  • "To have a vested interest in something": This is the most common phrase. It means to have a strong personal reason for wanting a particular situation or outcome.
    • Politicians often have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.
  • "Vested interests" (plural): Often used to describe powerful groups or institutions that benefit from existing arrangements and may resist change.
    • The reforms were blocked by vested interests within the industry.
Variants and Related Words
  • Vest (verb): To confer or bestow power, authority, or property. In a legal context, a right becomes "vested" when it is fixed and absolute.
    • The authority is vested in the committee.
  • Vesting (noun): The process by which an employee earns the right to receive benefits from a pension plan or stock options.
    • The vesting period for the stock options is three years.
Synonyms
  • Stake: A share or interest in a business, situation, or system.
  • Concern: A matter of interest or importance to someone.
  • Investment: (Figuratively) An involvement or commitment of time or emotional energy from which one expects a return.
Related Phrases
  • Conflict of interest: A situation where a person's personal vested interest might influence their professional duties or judgment.
    • The councilor was accused of a conflict of interest due to his vested interest in the construction company.
  • Special interest group: An organization that seeks to influence policy due to a shared vested interest.
    • The law was heavily lobbied for by various special interest groups.
Notes on Meaning
  • The term often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the personal benefit may override fairness or the common good.
  • In legal and financial contexts, it is a neutral term describing a secured, non-contingent right.
Noun
  1. groups that seek to control a social system or activity from which they derive private benefit
  2. (law) an interest in which there is a fixed right to present or future enjoyment and that can be conveyed to another