venture

 
Pronunciation: /ˈvɛntʃə/

noun

  • a risky or daring journey or undertaking: pioneering ventures into little-known waters
  • a business enterprise, typically one that involves risk: a joint venture between two aircraft manufacturers

verb

  • 1 [no object, with adverbial] undertake a risky or daring journey or course of action: she ventured out into the blizzard
  • [with object] expose to the risk of loss: agents for other people’s money, they do not venture their own capital
  • 2 [no object, with infinitive] dare to do or say something that may be considered audacious (often used as a polite expression of hesitation or apology): may I venture to add a few comments? [with object]: he ventured the opinion that Putt was insane

Phrases

at a venture

archaic trusting to chance rather than to previous consideration or preparation: a man drew a bow at a venture

nothing ventured, nothing gained

proverb you can’t expect to achieve anything if you never take any risks.

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'adventure', also 'risk the loss of'): shortening of adventure