invention

[ɪnˈvɛnʃən]

invention Definition

  • 1the action of creating or designing something that has not existed before
  • 2a thing that has been designed or created for the first time

Using invention: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "invention" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The invention of the telephone revolutionized communication.

  • Example

    The light bulb was one of Thomas Edison's most famous inventions.

  • Example

    The invention of the printing press made books more widely available.

  • Example

    The invention of the wheel was a major milestone in human history.

invention Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for invention

Antonyms for invention

Idioms Using invention

  • when the need for something becomes imperative, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it

    Example

    When they ran out of food, they had to get creative - necessity is the mother of invention.

  • to waste time trying to create something that already exists or has already been solved

    Example

    We don't need to reinvent the wheel - there are plenty of existing solutions we can use.

  • to add the final details to a new creation or design

    Example

    After months of work, he finally put the finishing touches on his latest invention.

Phrases with invention

  • a legal document that gives the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention for a certain number of years

    Example

    He filed for an invention patent for his new device.

  • a written description of an invention that is submitted to a company or organization for evaluation

    Example

    Before applying for an invention patent, he submitted an invention disclosure to the company.

  • an event where students showcase their inventions and compete for prizes

    Example

    My daughter won first prize at the invention convention with her new gadget.

Origins of invention

from Latin 'inventio', meaning 'contrivance, discovery'

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Summary: invention in Brief

The term 'invention' [ɪnˈvɛnʃən] refers to the act of creating something new or designing something that has never existed before. It can also refer to the thing that has been created. Examples of inventions include the telephone, light bulb, and printing press. 'Necessity is the mother of invention' is a common idiom that means when there is a need for something, people will find a way to create it.

How do native speakers use this expression?