invent

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To design or create something completely new for the first time.

   Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.

2. 2
   verb

   To make up a story or excuse that is not true.

   He invented an excuse to explain why he was late.

From Middle English inventen, borrowed from Old French inventer, from Latin inventus, perfect passive participle of inveniō (“come upon, meet with, find, discover”), from in (“in, on”) + veniō (“come”); see venture. Compare advent, covent, event, prevent, etc. Displaced native Old English āþenċan (literally “to think out”).

Topics