invent
ihn-VEHNT
Invent (verb) means to create or design something new that didn't exist before. Example: “She invented a device that turns plastic waste into fuel.”
verb
1
To create or design something new that didn't exist before.
"She invented a device that turns plastic waste into fuel."
"Who first invented the wheel is a question nobody can answer."
"The engineer invented a simple tool that makes opening jars much easier."
"After weeks of hard work, I invented a new way to alphabetize matchbooks."
2
To make up a fictional story or excuse.
"He invented an excuse for being late."
"The child invented a story about a talking dog to explain the mess."
"She invented a reason for missing the meeting, and nobody believed her."
How to use invent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo create something original, whether a real device or a made-up story.
Common pairings
invent a machine
invent an excuse
invent a story
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- invents
- Past tense
- invented
- Archaic forms
- inventedst, inventest, inventeth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ a device that turns plastic waste into fuel.
Etymology
From Latin inveniō, "to come upon, find, discover," from in- + veniō ("come").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for invent
See all rhymes for invent →Frequently asked questions
What does “invent” mean?
The word “invent” means to create or design something new that didn't exist before. In plain terms, to create something original, whether a real device or a made-up story.
How do you pronounce “invent”?
“Invent” is pronounced ihn-VEHNT (/ɪnˈvɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “invent” in a sentence?
Here is “invent” used in a sentence: “She invented a device that turns plastic waste into fuel.”
What is another word for “invent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “invent” include fangle.
What part of speech is “invent”?
“Invent” is a verb.
Where does the word “invent” come from?
The word “invent” comes from Latin. From Latin inveniō, "to come upon, find, discover," from in- + veniō ("come").
Is “invent” a common word?
“Invent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “invent” have?
“Invent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to create or design something new that didn't exist before.
What is the difference between invent and discover?
Invent means to create or design something new that didn't exist before, such as a device or process. Discover means to find something that already existed but was previously unknown, like a scientific fact or a hidden place. Inventors create new things; discoverers uncover existing ones.
What is the difference between invent and create?
Invent usually implies designing something new and often functional, like a machine or method, frequently for a practical purpose. Create is broader and can apply to anything brought into existence, including art, ideas, or situations, without necessarily implying novelty or practicality.
Can invent mean to make up a false story?
Yes, invent can also mean to make up a fictional story or excuse, such as inventing an alibi. In this sense it implies fabrication rather than genuine creation, and is often used when someone is not telling the truth.
