patent
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for patent, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An official government grant giving an inventor sole rights to make, use, or sell an invention for a set period.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use patent
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English "letters patent," open documents granting a right or privilege, ultimately from Latin patens, "lying open."
Full origin of patent →Frequently asked questions
What does “patent” mean?
The word “patent” means an official government grant giving an inventor sole rights to make, use, or sell an invention for a set period. In plain terms, either the legal right to an invention, or (as an adjective) something completely obvious.
How do you pronounce “patent”?
“Patent” is pronounced PAY-tuhnt (/ˈpætənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “patent” in a sentence?
Here is “patent” used in a sentence: “She filed a patent for her new design.”
What part of speech is “patent”?
Depending on how it is used, “patent” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “patent” come from?
The word “patent” comes from Latin. From Middle English "letters patent," open documents granting a right or privilege, ultimately from Latin patens, "lying open.".
Is “patent” a common word?
“Patent” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “patent” have?
“Patent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an official government grant giving an inventor sole rights to make, use, or sell an invention for a set period.
What is the difference between a "patent" and a "trademark"?
A "patent" is a government grant giving an inventor sole rights to make, use, or sell an invention for a set period, while a "trademark" protects a name, logo, or symbol that identifies a brand. A patent covers how something works; a trademark covers how a product is identified.
What is the difference between a "patent" and a "copyright"?
A "patent" protects inventions and the way things work, while "copyright" protects original creative works such as writing, music, and art. Patents must be applied for and granted, whereas copyright usually arises automatically when a work is created.
What is the difference between "patent" as a noun and "patent" as an adjective?
As a noun or verb, "patent" concerns the legal right to an invention. As an adjective, "patent" can mean obvious or plainly clear, as in "a patent lie," and it also describes "patent leather," a glossy coated leather.