invent
//ɪnˈvɛnt//
Forms
- present (v1)
- invent
- past (v2)
- invented
- past participle (v3)
- invented
- present participle
- inventing
- 3rd person singular
- invents
Definitions
1.To design a new process or mechanism.
- After weeks of hard work, I invented a new way to alphabetize matchbooks.
2.To create something fictional for a particular purpose.
- I knew I had to invent an excuse, and quickly.
- We need a name to put in this form, so let's just invent one.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3520
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English inventen, borrowed from Old French inventer, from Latin inventus, perfect passive participle of inveniō (“come upon, meet with, find, discover”), from in (“in, on”) + veniō (“come”); see venture. Compare advent, covent, event, prevent, etc.