invent

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To design a new process or mechanism.

   After weeks of hard work, I invented a new way to alphabetize matchbooks.

2. 2
   verb

   To create something fictional for a particular purpose.

   I knew I had to invent an excuse, and quickly.

3. 3
   verb

   To come upon; to find; to discover.

   Far off he wonders, what them makes so glad, / If Bacchus merry fruit they did inuent [...].

4. 4
   verb

   come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

5. 5
   verb

   make up something artificial or untrue

Etymology

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”).