invite
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to request the presence or participation of in a kindly, courteous, or complimentary way, especially to request to come or go to some place, gathering, entertainment, etc., or to do something.
to invite friends to dinner.
- Synonyms:
- bid
-
to request politely or formally.
to invite donations.
- Synonyms:
- solicit
-
to act so as to bring on or render probable.
to invite accidents by fast driving.
-
to call forth or give occasion for.
Those big shoes invite laughter.
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to attract, allure, entice, or tempt.
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
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to ask (a person or persons) in a friendly or polite way (to do something, attend an event, etc)
he invited them to dinner
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to make a request for, esp publicly or formally
to invite applications
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to bring on or provoke; give occasion for
you invite disaster by your actions
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to welcome or tempt
noun
Related Words
See call.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of invite
First recorded in 1525–35, invite is from the Latin word invītāre
Explanation
When you invite a friend to do something, you request her company, or encourage her to come with you. You might invite a group of neighbors to help you throw a block party. You could invite your friend to join you on a road trip, or invite your parents to your art show at a local gallery. You're making a polite request. Similarly, a newspaper might invite readers' comments, or a school might invite ideas for how to spend grant money. Invite is also casual shorthand for "invitation." When you tempt someone to react, you also invite that reaction: "Your strange film really invites harsh criticism."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Among the dozens of feature-length films and documentaries on show over the coming days will be "The Invite" directed by and starring Wilde, opposite Seth Rogen and Edward Norton.
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
"Invite cousins over, make them join a sports club or try after-school activities - anything that helps them meet new people."
From BBC • Nov. 16, 2025
Invite some folks over, have them bring refreshments and bills, school forms, jury-duty summonses—whatever looms.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025
Invite them to share their experiences and listen without judgement.
From Salon • Apr. 1, 2024
“I hear you. But listen. You did, actually. Invite me. And it was a great party.”
From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
