invent

/ɪnˈvɛnt/

Say it: in-VENT

1. verb To create or design something that has not existed before, such as a machine, process, or device.
She invented a new type of water filter that is both cheap and effective.
2. verb To make up something fictitious or false, such as a story, excuse, or explanation.
He invented a flimsy excuse about a sick cousin to get out of work early.

📖 Seen in the wild

Thomas Edison is credited with helping to invent many devices, including the practical incandescent light bulb.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ invent in a sentence

The company that invents a truly biodegradable plastic will change the world.
When the kids were quiet for too long, I knew they were inventing some new form of mischief.
Thomas Edison famously said that genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration, a motto for anyone trying to invent something new.
The suspect invented an alibi, but it quickly fell apart under questioning.
Every year, thousands of patents are filed for newly invented gadgets.
You can't just invent facts to support your argument; you need to do the research.
The author invented a rich and complex history for the fantasy world in her novel.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

create devise fabricate concoct originate conceive formulate pioneer

create · a broader term that applies to anything brought into being, not just novel devices or ideas.

devise · suggests careful thought and planning to create a complex system, plan, or method.

fabricate · almost always used for inventing something false, with a strong implication of deceit.

concoct · implies mixing different elements together to make up a story or plan, often dishonestly.

Opposites: copy, imitate, duplicate, discover, reproduce

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'invent' comes from the Latin verb 'invenire', which means 'to come upon' or 'to find'. Originally, to invent something was to discover it. Over time, the meaning shifted from finding something that already exists to conceiving of something entirely new in the mind and bringing it into existence.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

invent a deviceinvent a storyinvent an excusenewly inventedthe need to invent

The two main senses of 'invent' are distinct but share a core idea of creation from the mind. Context is crucial for telling whether you mean creating a novel device or a false story. A common point of confusion is the difference between 'invent' and 'discover'. Remember that you invent something new (the lightbulb), while you discover something that was already there (penicillin).

Word family: invention, inventor, inventive, inventiveness

💬 Quick answers

What does 'invent' mean?

To invent means to create something entirely new, either a physical object or process, or a fictional story or excuse that isn't true.

What is the difference between 'invent' and 'discover'?

You invent something that didn't exist before, like the telephone. You discover something that already existed but was unknown, like a new planet or an ancient ruin.

Is 'invent' a negative word?

It depends on the context. Inventing a life-saving device is positive, but inventing an excuse to deceive someone is negative.

What's the difference between 'invent' and 'create'?

'Invent' specifically implies creating something novel and original, often with a practical function. 'Create' is broader and can refer to making anything, including art, music, or even a mess.

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