invent

/ɪnˈvɛnt/

verb★Intermediate

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

reinvent the wheelidiom

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