WordGarden.ioinvent
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnvˈɛnt/
US
- /ˌɪnˈvɛnt/
Meanings
Verb
to create or devise something new, such as a product, method, device, or idea
to make up a false story, excuse, or detail
Beyond the definition
To invent something means to create it for the very first time - to bring something new into existence. Think of someone inventing a useful tool, or a child inventing a new game with building blocks. It's about imagination and making something that did not exist before. You do not discover a machine that people have never made. You invent it. Sometimes people invent stories too - but those stories are not necessarily true.
To invent means to create or design something new, often a device, process, or idea that did not exist before. It goes beyond simply putting existing parts together in an ordinary way; it involves originality and creative thought. For example, someone might invent a new tool that makes a difficult job easier.
The act of inventing is not limited to major technological breakthroughs. You might invent a new recipe for cookies, a clever solution to a problem at work, or even an elaborate excuse for being late. It is about taking something from imagination and making it real.
Historically, the word "invent" comes from the Latin invenire, meaning "to find" or "come upon." However, over time its meaning shifted to emphasize creation rather than discovery. While a scientist might discover a new species of plant, an engineer would invent a machine to help farmers grow it more efficiently.
The word can also be used figuratively. Someone might say another person "invented" a story – meaning they fabricated or made it up.
So whether you're talking about groundbreaking technology, everyday solutions, or even tall tales, to invent is to bring something new into the world through creativity and skill.
Examples
- 1
Kitchen tool
She invented a small tool for opening jars.
- 2
Engineering
The device was invented by a team of engineers in Seoul.
- 3
Clean energy
The company is trying to invent a cleaner way to store energy.
- 4
Children's play
The children invented a game using only stones and sticks.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Excuse
He invented an excuse for being late.
- Patterninvent an excuse
make up a reason that may not be true
- 6
Fiction writing
The novelist invented a whole town for the story.
- 7
Imagined problems
Don't invent problems before they happen.
- Patterninvent problems
imagine or create problems that are not really there
- 8
New identity
After moving to New York, she felt free to invent a new life for herself.
- Phraseinvent a new life for yourself
create a different way of living or presenting yourself
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- inventverb
Forms
- inventedpast tenseverb
- inventing-ing formverb
- inventsverb