verb
invent
ihn-VEHNT
verb
1
To create or design something new that didn't exist before.
"She invented a device that turns plastic waste into fuel."
2
To make up a fictional story or excuse.
"He invented an excuse for being late."
How to Use Invent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo create something original, whether a real device or a made-up story.
Common pairings
invent a machine
invent an excuse
invent a story
Word Forms
invented past tense, invent plural, invented plural, invents singular, invent singular, invented singular, inventedst singular, inventest singular, inventeth singular
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She _____ a device that turns plastic waste into fuel.
Etymology
From Latin inveniō, "to come upon, find, discover," from in- + veniō ("come").