Words / B1

in-VENT/ɪnˈvent/

Invent means design something that did not exist before. Discover is find something already there (discover oil). Create is broader (create a mood, a website). Invention is the noun; inventor is the person. Invent a story / an excuse means make it up — often negative. Innovative is a related adjective for new methods.

Meaning

To make or design something that did not exist before.

Examples

• “Who invented the telephone?”
• “She invented a simple tool for opening jars.”
• “He invented an excuse for being late.”

Good to know

invent a machine / an excuse. Find what exists: discover. Noun: invention. Person: inventor.

Near in meaning

create

New