invent

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verb [transitive] British English pronunciation: invent

/ɪnˈvent/

present tense
I/you/we/they	invent
he/she/it	invents
present participle	inventing
past tense	invented
past participle	invented

Usage note

1
to design or create something such as a machine or process that did not exist before
Alfred Nobel invented dynamite.
It’s one of the most time-saving devices ever invented for cooks.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of invent
1. a.
  to develop a new theory, style, or method that did not exist before
  Chaplin invented his own unique style of comedy.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of invent
2
to make up a story, excuse etc that is not true
The gossip columnists simply invented the stories about him.
She would invent any excuse to avoid seeing people.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of invent

Usage note: invent

If you are the first person to make a new type of machine, or design a new system, you invent it: Sir Isaac Newton invented calculus. ♦ Who invented the television?

If you are the first person to find, see, or understand something, you discover it: Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity. ♦ Scientists have discovered a new planet.

You cannot invent something if it already exists.

This is the British English definition of invent. View American English definition of invent.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

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