What does "invent" mean?

1. (to create a new thing) to design or create something that did not exist before, such as a machine or a tool. 2. (to make up a story) to make up a story, an excuse, or a lie.

How do you use "invent"?

This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.

Is it correct to say "Who invented the America?"?

No — say "Who discovered America?". Use 'invent' for things people create (like a phone). Use 'discover' for things that already existed but were unknown (like a country).

invent

US //ˌɪnˈvɛnt// UK //ɪnvˈɛnt// in·vent

1 to create a new thing (v.)
A2 Elementary

to design or create something that did not exist before, such as a machine or a tool.

to devise or produce a new device, method, or process through original thought or experimentation.

Example

Alexander Graham Bell is famous because he helped invent the telephone.

Example

Engineers are working to invent a more efficient battery that can store solar energy for several days without losing power.

Usage

This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.
- copy
- imitate
Pitfall

Who invented the America?

Who discovered America?

Use 'invent' for things people create (like a phone). Use 'discover' for things that already existed but were unknown (like a country).
2 to make up a story (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to make up a story, an excuse, or a lie.

to fabricate or concoct a story, excuse, or piece of information, often to deceive or entertain.

Example

He had to invent a good excuse for being late to the meeting.

Example

The novelist spent months trying to invent a believable world where magic and technology coexisted peacefully.
- fabricate
- make up
- concoct
- report
- reveal

Origin

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”).