invent

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To design or create something new that did not exist before.

   Grammar: Always takes an object: invent a tool, not invent about a tool.

   Patterns

   • invent something
   • invent a device
   • newly invented

   She hopes to invent a cheaper water filter.

   The printing press was invented before the telephone.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To make up a false story, excuse, name, or fact, often to avoid blame or entertain.

   Grammar: Still transitive, but the object is a lie or fiction rather than a real creation.

   Patterns

   • invent an excuse
   • invent a story
   • invent details

   He invented an excuse for arriving late.

   The child invented a planet with three moons.

Word forms

Common combinations

invent a machine

Students were asked to invent a machine that saves energy.

invent an excuse

Do not invent an excuse; just explain what happened.

newly invented

The newly invented material stayed cool in sunlight.

credited with inventing

Several engineers are credited with inventing the early network protocol.

invent from scratch

They had to invent the process from scratch.

Synonyms and how they differ

create

Wider and less specific; invent emphasizes producing something unprecedented.

devise

Often a plan, method, or clever solution rather than a physical object.

fabricate

Can mean invent falsely, but suggests deliberate deception more strongly.

Opposites

Word family

invention noun

Something created for the first time, or the act of creating it.

inventive adjective

Good at thinking of new ideas.

inventor noun

A person who creates new devices or methods.

Commonly confused: invent or discover?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “invent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words