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invitation

n.
US //ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən// UK //ɪnvɪtˈeɪʃən// in·vi·ta·tion
  1. 1 request to attend (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the act of asking someone to come to a social event or to do something with you.

    the act of inviting; a formal or informal request for a person's company or participation in an activity.

    Example

    I received an invitation to my cousin's wedding in the mail today.

    Example

    The committee extended a formal invitation to the professor, hoping she would deliver the keynote address at the annual conference.
  2. 2 physical card or message (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a card or a message that asks you to go to an event.

    a written, printed, or digital document conveying a request for attendance.

    Example

    The party invitations were printed on thick, gold-edged paper.

    Example

    Digital invitations have become increasingly popular for casual gatherings, as they allow hosts to track responses in real time.
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  1. 3 encouragement or temptation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that makes a particular action or result more likely to happen.

    an action or situation that provides an opening or incentive for something to occur, often unintentionally.

    Example

    Leaving your car unlocked is an invitation to thieves.

    Example

    The vague wording of the new law was seen by many critics as an invitation to further legal challenges and confusion.
  2. 4 bridge bid (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    a specific type of bid in the game of bridge that suggests a strong hand.

    a bid that communicates to a partner that a higher contract is possible if their hand is at the upper end of its previously indicated range.

    Example

    His jump to three hearts was an invitation for his partner to bid the game.

    Example

    The responder's invitational bid forced the opener to re-evaluate the strength of their hand before committing to the slam.

    Usage

    Used specifically within the context of contract bridge bidding systems.
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).

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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