Invention
/ɪnˈvenʃən/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe creation of something new, typically a product or a process.
/ɪnˈvenʃən/
The act of inventing something.
The invention of the wheel was a pivotal moment in human history.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a super cool idea and then you actually *make* it. That awesome thing you made? That's an invention! Like, if you build a robot that cleans your room, that's an invention!
👶 For kids: When you make something new that nobody has made before.
More Examples
She dedicated her life to the invention of sustainable energy sources.
The company is celebrating the invention of its new product.
How It's Used
"The invention of the printing press revolutionized communication."
"His invention was a significant breakthrough in transportation."
A new device, method, or process resulting from study and experimentation.
/ɪnˈvenʃən/
Something that is invented.
The latest invention is a self-cleaning coffee maker.
💡 Simply: It's the *thing* that somebody made up! Think of a cool toy, a new type of phone, or a tool that helps you do something better. That's an invention!
👶 For kids: Something that is new and made by someone.
More Examples
His invention of a new type of paint was a commercial success.
The lightbulb was one of the most impactful inventions of the 19th century.
How It's Used
"The telephone was a revolutionary invention."
"This new gadget is a useful invention for cooking."
A fabricated statement; a lie or falsehood.
/ɪnˈvenʃən/
A made-up story or lie.
The politician was accused of spreading inventions to damage his opponent.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'invention' can mean a story that someone made up that's not true. Like, if someone tells you they saw a flying pig, it might just be an invention!
👶 For kids: A story that is not real.
More Examples
Her alibi was a complete invention and easily disproved.
The rumor turned out to be a malicious invention.
How It's Used
"His story was pure invention – he made it all up."
"The detective saw through the suspect's inventions."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
necessity is the mother of invention
When people are really forced to do something or create something, it's more likely they will.
"They had to create a new app to compete, because necessity is the mother of invention."
From Middle English invencioun, from Old French invencion, from Latin inventio (“a finding, discovery, contrivance”), from invenire (“to come upon, find out, discover”).
The term 'invention' has been used since the Middle Ages to describe new creations and discoveries.
Memory tip
Think of a clever IDEA that leads to an INVENTION.
Word Origin
"to come upon, find out, discover"