invent

/ɪnˈvɛnt/

to create or design something new

Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.

This means he created the light bulb, which did not exist before.

general

to create or design something new that did not exist before

She invented a new type of solar panel.

She designed a solar panel that was not previously known.

The word often implies originality and innovation.

informal

to make up a story or excuse, often to deceive someone

He invented an excuse to avoid going to work.

He made up a false reason to skip work.

This usage is less common and often carries a negative connotation.

Collocations

invent somethingto create or design something newinvent a storyto make up a story, often to deceive

to do something that has already been done before, often unnecessarily

The most common use of 'invent' is to describe creating something new, like a product or technology.

'Invent' implies originality—something that did not exist before.

From Latin 'inventus', past participle of 'invenire' (to find, discover), from 'in-' (in) + 'venire' (to come).

The primary meaning is to create something new, while the secondary meaning (to make up a story) is informal and often negative.

in-

prefix

-vent

come

root

English Dictionary