1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To accept, believe in, or commit to an idea, belief, or way of thinking.
"Not everyone buys into the idea that working from home is more productive."
inseparable
buy into
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To accept or believe in an idea, system, or philosophy; to purchase a stake or share in a business or scheme.
In plain English
To believe in something and support it, or to pay money to become part of a business.
What does "buy into" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 formal
To purchase a share, stake, or interest in a business, organisation, or investment.
"Several investors have bought into the startup, valuing it at over $10 million."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To be taken in by a false, exaggerated, or misleading idea or scheme.
"Many people bought into the get-rich-quick scheme before realising it was a scam."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To buy your way into something (pay to become a part of it).
Actually means
To believe in something and support it, or to pay money to become part of a business.
Usage tip
The figurative sense (to accept or believe in an idea) is very common and can be used both positively ('she really buys into the philosophy') and sceptically ('do you really buy into all that?'). The financial sense (purchasing a share or stake) is also frequent in business contexts.
Words that pair with "buy into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
idea concept philosophy vision franchise myth narrative
How to conjugate "buy into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
buy into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
buys into
he/she/it
Past simple
bought into
yesterday
Past participle
bought into
have + pp
-ing form
buying into
continuous
Hear "buy into" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "buy into" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "buy into"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
accept believe in commit to embrace invest in subscribe to
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.