invent

Definition

To design a new process or mechanism.

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”).

Example Sentences

• "After weeks of hard work, I invented a new way to alphabetize matchbooks."
• "Accurſt be he that firſt inuented war"
• "I knew I had to invent an excuse, and quickly."

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