Invite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
invite
[ษชnหvaษชt ]
Definitions
to ask someone to go somewhere or do something
To invite means to ask someone to go somewhere or do something. It is a polite way of asking someone to join you or participate in an event. When you invite someone, you are extending an invitation to them, indicating that you would like them to be present or involved.
Synonyms
ask, call upon, request, summon.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| invite |
Use this when you want someone to join an event, gathering, or activity in a friendly and welcoming manner.
|
| ask |
This is used for requesting information, help, or permission in a straightforward manner.
|
| request |
This is often used in formal or polite contexts when asking for something specifically.
|
| summon |
This implies urgency and authority, often used in official or legal contexts. Can have a negative connotation.
|
| call upon |
More formal, this is used when requesting someone's participation or action, often in serious or official situations.
|
Examples of usage
- I would like to invite you to my birthday party this weekend.
- She invited me to have dinner with her family.
- They are inviting all their friends to the wedding.
- The company invited him to speak at the conference.
- He invited her to join him for a walk in the park.
a written or spoken request to someone to do something or to be present at an event
As a noun, an invite is a written or spoken request to someone to do something or to be present at an event. It is a formal or informal way of extending an invitation to someone, inviting them to join you or participate in a specific activity.
Synonyms
call, invitation, request, summons.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| invite |
Used when asking someone to join an event or come to a place, often with a focus on social gatherings.
|
| invitation |
Refers to the act or document of inviting someone, usually for an event or occasion; often implies a polite or formal request.
|
| summons |
Used in a legal or formal context when someone is formally called to appear, often carrying a sense of urgency or authority; can have a negative or serious tone.
|
| request |
Used when formally asking for something, often in writing or in a business context; can have a polite tone.
|
| call |
Used when contacting someone via phone or making a formal request to an audience, often less formal than 'invite' or 'request'.
|
Examples of usage
- I received an invite to the charity gala.
- She sent out invites to her art exhibit opening.
- The invites for the wedding were beautifully designed.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Practices
- In many cultures, invitations are an important tradition, often involving elaborate etiquette, especially for weddings.
- Different cultures may use specific symbols on invitations, such as butterflies in some Asian cultures representing new beginnings.
- Digital invites are now commonly used, but handwritten invitations are still cherished for their personal touch, especially for significant occasions.
Psychology
- Inviting someone can strengthen relationships, as feeling included is crucial for social bonding.
- People generally respond more positively when they feel personally invited, as it conveys care and appreciation.
- The act of sending an invite can boost excitement and anticipation, making the event feel more special to attendees.
Pop Culture
- Many popular movies and shows feature grand invitations, like Hogwarts letters from 'Harry Potter', symbolizing a journey or new beginning.
- The phrase 'Youโre Invited' has become a common theme in party planning, even spawning numerous childrenโs books and stories.
- Social media has transformed invites, allowing instant sharing and viral event promotions, changing how people gather.
Literature
- Invitations often appear in classic literature as literary devices to initiate plots, creating tension or anticipation for gatherings.
- Famous works like 'The Great Gatsby' feature elaborate invitations that play a key role in revealing character dynamics.
- Modern poetry sometimes explores the metaphor of invitations in the context of inclusion and social commentary.
Origin of 'invite'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'invitationem', which means to summon or ask someone to come.
- In English, 'invite' started being used as a noun in the late 19th century before it became popular as a verb.
- Old French also contributed to the term, where 'inviter' meant to invite or request someoneโs presence.
The word 'invite' originated from the Latin word 'invitare', which means 'to invite' or 'to entertain'. It has been used in the English language since the late 16th century. The concept of inviting someone to join in an activity or event has been a part of human social interaction for centuries, with various forms of invitations and requests evolving over time.
See also: invitation, invitee, invitees, inviting, uninvited, uninviting, uninvitingly.