Invent
/ɪnˈvɛnt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo create or design something new that has not existed before.
/ɪnˈvɛnt/
To create or design something new.
Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.
💡 Simply: Inventing is like coming up with something brand new! Imagine you come up with a fun new game, that's inventing. Or imagine you make up a new story, that's inventing too! You're making something that didn't exist before. Like, your teacher might've invented a new way to grade the papers
👶 For kids: To make something new.
More Examples
She spent years trying to invent a machine that could travel through time.
Necessity is often the mother of invention; people invent things because they need them.
How It's Used
"Scientists invented the printing press."
"The company is constantly inventing new products."
To create something, especially a false statement or story; to fabricate.
/ɪnˈvɛnt/
To make up (a story or lie).
She invented a story to explain why she missed the meeting.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, invent can mean to make something up, like a story or an excuse. Imagine you were late for a movie, and invent an excuse why, like the bus was delayed.
👶 For kids: To make up something that's not true.
More Examples
He had to invent a character for his play.
Children often invent games and rules to play with their friends.
How It's Used
"He invented an excuse for being late."
"The author invented a whole new world for her novel."
From Latin *invenire* meaning "to come upon, discover, find out." The word's meaning evolved to encompass creating something new.
Historically, the word was used in legal contexts, referring to finding something or making a claim.
Memory tip
Think of a scientist working in a lab, coming up with a new creation!
Word Origin
"to come upon, discover, find out"