invitation

[in-vi-tey-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of inviting. inviting.

2. the written or spoken form with which a person is invited.

3. something offered as a suggestion.

   an invitation to consider a business merger.

4. attraction or incentive; allurement.

5. a provocation.

   The speech was an invitation to rebellion.

adjective

1. invitational.

invitation

/ ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. 1. the act of inviting, such as an offer of entertainment or hospitality

   2. ( as modifier )

      an invitation dance

      an invitation race

2. the act of enticing or attracting; allurement

Other Word Forms

• preinvitation noun
• reinvitation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of invitation¹

1590–1600; < Latin invītātiōn- (stem of invītātiō ), equivalent to invītāt ( us ) (past participle of invītāre to invite ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

But if that thumbnail sketch makes “Lux” sound like homework, the songs themselves are immediate and visceral, and the singer’s impassioned delivery is an invitation to listen more closely.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So, when Gustav reveals that he’s written a new film for Nora to star in, the invitation feels sudden, as though it may have strings attached.

Read more on Salon

If any of these resonate with you, please remember that I may be looking for a Thanksgiving dinner invitation next year.

Read more on Barron's

“Of course we’re going, foolish child. One does not ignore an invitation from the tsar!”

Read more on Literature

It looked like a party invitation, Penelope thought with a pang.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• appeal 
• bid 
• challenge 
• date 
• encouragement 
• overture 
• petition 
• proposition 
• request 
• solicitation 
• suggestion 
• summons