invent
verbcommon in dialogue
- //ɪnˈvɛnt//
To design a new process or mechanism.
verb
- 1
To design a new process or mechanism.
After weeks of hard work, I invented a new way to alphabetize matchbooks.
Accurſt be he that firſt inuented war
- 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.
- 3
obsoleteTo come upon; to find; to discover.
Far off he wonders, what them makes so glad, / If Bacchus merry fruit they did inuent [...].
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. Displaced native Old English āþenċan (literally “to think out”).
Forms
- past tense
- invented
- past participle
- invented
- present participle
- inventing
- third person singular
- invents
invent · To design a new process or mechanism.
invented · Fictional, made up, imaginary.invention · Something invented.inventor · One who invents, either as a hobby or as an occupation.