ENGLISH
REFERENCE

invitation

n. countable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən// UK //ɪnvɪtˈeɪʃən// in·vi·ta·tion General-service

n. a written or spoken request asking someone to go somewhere or do something. You send one when you want people to come to your party or wedding.

n. a written or verbal request to participate in a specific event or social occasion. Often functions as a formal gesture of inclusion or a legal summons in specific diplomatic contexts.


SIMPLE

I received an invitation to her birthday party.

CONTEXTUAL

The couple sent out a formal invitation to every family member three months before the wedding date.

COMPLEX

Accepting a keynote invitation requires significant preparation, as the speaker must tailor their message to the specific interests and professional background of the gathered audience.

Origin

From Middle English invitacioun, ynvytacioun, from Latin invītātio, reinforced by Middle French invitation. By surface analysis, invite + -ation. Displaced native Middle English lathinge from Old English laþung (see dialectal English lathing).

Usage

Commonly takes the preposition 'to' before the event or 'from' before the sender.

Pitfall

an invitation for the partyan invitation to the partyEnglish speakers typically use 'to' rather than 'for' when connecting an invitation to a specific event.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference