Invited

ɪnˈvaɪtɪd

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To request the presence of someone or something.

ɪnˈvaɪtɪd

verbneutralBeginner
General

To formally request someone's presence at a specific event or place.

She invited him to her birthday party.

💡 Simply: Think of it like this: When you invite someone over, you're saying, 'Hey, I'd love for you to come to my house!'

👶 For kids: To ask someone nicely to come to a party or event.

More Examples

2

The school invited parents to attend the open house.

3

I invited my family for dinner.

How It's Used

Social

"We invited all our friends to the party."

Business

"The company invited potential investors to a conference."

2

To cause or encourage a particular response or result.

ɪnˈvaɪtɪd

verbneutralmedium
General

To encourage or attract something.

The tempting offer invited a closer look.

💡 Simply: It's like when a delicious smell 'invites' you to go into the kitchen. It causes or encourages something to happen.

👶 For kids: To make something want to happen. Like a nice smell inviting you to eat.

More Examples

2

His behavior invited criticism.

3

The soft music invited her to dance.

How It's Used

Figurative

"The situation invited further investigation."

Abstract

"The beauty of the landscape invited contemplation."

Tip:Think of a scent 'inviting' you to enter a room.

Idioms & expressions

Invite trouble

To behave in a way that is likely to cause problems.

"If you keep arguing with him, you're just inviting trouble."

By invitation only

Restricted to those who have received an invitation.

"The gala is by invitation only, so make sure you have your ticket."

From Middle English *inviten*, from Old French *inviter* (to invite, summon), from Latin *invītāre* (to invite, summon).

Used in similar ways for centuries, with consistent meaning focused around social invitations and requests.

Memory tip

Imagine a card with your name, sent with a warm smile. You're IN-vited!

invittedinvieted

Usage

65%Spoken
35%Written