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

The question now is whether Kim will accept the invitation—and on what terms.

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The invitation, along with its black-tie dress code, left him with a dilemma - where to get a suit or a kilt, at such short notice.

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Anyone watching these plays would be likely to respond to the titular invitation with a firm, “Let’s not!”

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The publicity prompted me to explain to readers my limited connection to Mr. Cash—one speaking invitation and one coffee meeting.

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You can give them advice about how to handle a mean co-worker, or help them learn to budget and to say no to expensive invitations.

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Related Words

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