Invent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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invent

[ษชnหˆvษ›nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

create

To invent means to create or design something that has never existed before. It involves coming up with new ideas, concepts, or products. Inventing requires a high level of creativity and innovation.

Synonyms

create, design, devise.

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Word Description / Examples
invent

Use when talking about creating something completely new that has never existed before.

  • Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.
  • She hopes to invent a new type of energy source.
create

Generally used when making something new, which can include art, concepts, or products. It's broad and not necessarily innovative.

  • He loves to create new recipes.
  • She created a beautiful painting.
design

Utilized when planning and making something with a specific function or appearance in mind. Often used in contexts related to fashion, architecture, and technology.

  • She designed a new dress for the fashion show.
  • They are designing a new website for the company.
devise

Appropriate for planning or inventing something complex, often a scheme, strategy, or plan.

  • The team devised a plan to reduce costs.
  • He devised a new method for teaching math.

Examples of usage

  • Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.
  • The Wright brothers invented the first successful airplane.
Context #2 | Verb

fabricate

To invent can also mean to fabricate or make up something that is not true. It implies the act of creating a false story or excuse.

Synonyms

concoct, fabricate, falsify.

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Word Description / Examples
invent

When referring to creating something new or devising a new idea, especially in the context of technology, science, or art.

  • Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.
  • She invented a new recipe for the restaurant.
fabricate

When making something, especially with skill, or constructing something that needed to be built. It can also mean creating a false story or lie.

  • The engineer fabricated the metal parts for the machine.
  • He fabricated an excuse to cover his mistake.
falsify

When making something false or altering information with the intent to deceive. This word has a negative connotation.

  • He was caught trying to falsify documents.
  • The scientist was accused of falsifying research data.
concoct

When creating something by combining various ingredients or elements, often used for food, drinks, or stories and ideas conceived as a mix of elements.

  • He concocted a tasty soup from leftovers.
  • She concocted an elaborate story to cover up her absence.

Examples of usage

  • He invented an elaborate excuse for being late.
  • The witness admitted to inventing the details of the crime.
Context #3 | Noun

creation

As a noun, an invention is the product of the act of inventing. It refers to something new that has been created, such as a device, machine, or process.

Synonyms

creation, discovery, innovation.

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Word Description / Examples
invent

Describing the act of coming up with a new idea or product. This can also include making up stories or explanations.

  • Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone
  • He tried to invent an excuse for being late
creation

Refers to making something original or bringing something into existence, often used in artistic or creative contexts. It can also refer to the result of this process.

  • The artist's latest creation is a beautiful painting
  • The creation of this software required a lot of effort
innovation

Introducing new ideas, methods, or products, particularly in business or technology. It often implies improvement or alteration of something already existing.

  • Her innovation in renewable energy has gained national attention
  • The company's latest innovation will revolutionize the market
discovery

Finding something that already exists but was previously unknown, often used in science or exploration contexts.

  • The discovery of penicillin changed the field of medicine
  • They made a new discovery in the Amazon rainforest

Examples of usage

  • The telephone was a groundbreaking invention by Alexander Graham Bell.
  • The invention of the internet revolutionized communication.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Many inventions that changed the world, such as the wheel and the printing press, were created during the Renaissance period.
  • Thomas Edison, one of the most famous inventors, held over 1,000 patents, including the light bulb and the phonograph.

Science and Technology

  • The process of invention often involves trial and error, with many inventors facing failures before achieving success.
  • In recent years, advancements in technology have made it easier for people to invent, using tools like 3D printing and computer-aided design.

Pop Culture

  • Movies such as 'The Imitation Game' and 'The Founder' highlight the stories of real-life inventors and their contributions.
  • Inventions often inspire characters in video games and animated movies, driving plotlines centered around creativity and innovation.

Education

  • Inventing is often taught in schools through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs to encourage creativity.
  • Many educational initiatives focus on teaching children to invent as a way to develop problem-solving skills.

Origin of 'invent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'invent' comes from the Latin 'invenire', which means 'to come upon' or 'discover'.
  • It first appeared in English around the late 15th century, originally used to mean 'to find' or 'to discover'.

The word 'invent' originated from the Latin word 'invenire', which means 'to find, discover'. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass the idea of creating something new. The concept of invention has played a crucial role in human history, driving progress and technological advancements.


See also: prevent, vent, ventilate, ventilation, ventral, venture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,718, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.