Invitational Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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invitational
[ษชnหvษชteษชสษnl ]
Definition
event context
The term 'invitational' refers to a type of event or competition that requires an invitation to participate. Unlike open events, where anyone can enter, invitational events are typically exclusive, often featuring top performers or selected individuals based on specific criteria. These gatherings can take place in various domains, including sports, arts, and academics. Participants usually include only those who have been formally invited, making the event more prestigious and competitive.
Synonyms
exclusive, private, selective.
Examples of usage
- She received an invitational for the national tennis championship.
- The art gallery hosted an invitational exhibit showcasing local talents.
- The invitational meet was attended by the country's best athletes.
- Only select players were invited to the golf invitational.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Sports
- Many sports, like swimming and golf, host invitational tournaments where only selected competitors can join.
- Such events often aim to bring together the best athletes to showcase their skills and improve competition levels.
Education
- In some schools, invitational events are organized to encourage students to participate in academic contests, boosting confidence and camaraderie.
- Colleges often hold invitational workshops for prospective students to experience campus life before applying.
Pop Culture
- Invitational tournaments have gained popularity in esports, attracting top gamers to compete for prizes and glory.
- Television game shows often use invitational formats to showcase special contestants with unique talents.
Art
- Art galleries sometimes hold invitational exhibitions featuring selected artists to display their work to a broader audience.
- These events encourage networking among artists and art lovers, promoting collaboration and inspiration.
Origin of 'invitational'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'invitational' comes from 'invite,' which means to ask someone to come, combined with the suffix '-tional' indicating it relates to an action.
- This term has been used since the 20th century to describe events specifically organized to invite participants.
The word 'invitational' derives from the noun 'invitation,' which has its roots in the Latin 'invitatio,' meaning 'to call in' or 'to summon.' The Latin term 'invitare' translates to 'to invite,' emphasizing the act of beckoning someone to join or participate in an event. Its application in English evolved over time; by the mid-20th century, 'invitational' began to be used specifically to describe competitive events that were not open to the general public. This specificity reflects the growing trend in various fields to curate participants based on certain qualifications or performances. As sports and arts gained popularity, invitational events became a method to highlight elite talent and foster competitive spirit among a select group, thereby enhancing the prestige associated with such gatherings.