Invitation

ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A written or spoken request to attend a meeting, social event, etc.

ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən

nounpositiveBeginner
General

A request to attend an event or do something.

I received an invitation to the gala.

💡 Simply: An invitation is like a special note or a call you get that says, 'Hey, come do this fun thing with me!' Like when you get an invitation to a birthday party. It's a way of asking you to join in the fun!

👶 For kids: An invitation is like a special card or a message that says, 'Come play with me!'

More Examples

2

The invitation specified the dress code.

3

She sent out the invitations weeks in advance.

How It's Used

Social

"She received an invitation to the wedding."

Business

"The company sent out invitations to the conference."

2

The act of inviting someone or something.

ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən

nounpositivemedium
General

An act of inviting someone.

The invitation extended to all members of the club.

💡 Simply: An invitation is the act of asking someone, like when you invite a friend to your house. It's the whole process of asking, not just the note.

👶 For kids: An invitation is when you ask someone to come with you.

More Examples

2

Their gracious invitation made us feel welcome.

3

I hope he accepts my invitation to join the team.

How It's Used

General

"The invitation was a lovely gesture."

Tip:Think of the act of issuing an invite.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

extend an invitation

To offer an invitation.

"The couple extended an invitation to the wedding to all their friends and family."

by invitation only

Restricted; only those who have been invited can attend.

"The gala was by invitation only."

From Latin *invitātiō* (“a summons, invitation”), from *invītō* (“to invite”).

The word 'invitation' has been used in a similar sense since the 14th century, originally referring to the action of inviting and later to the request itself.

Memory tip

Think of an invite to a party—it's an invitation!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to invite, summon"

send an invitationreceive an invitationaccept an invitationextend an invitationwedding invitationformal invitation

Common misspellings

invatationinvitaioninvitaition

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written