invite

[in-vahyt, in-vahyt]

verb (used with object)

invited, inviting 

1. 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

2. to request politely or formally.

   to invite donations.

   Synonyms: solicit

3. to act so as to bring on or render probable.

   to invite accidents by fast driving.

4. to call forth or give occasion for.

   Those big shoes invite laughter.

5. to attract, allure, entice, or tempt.

   Synonyms: draw, lure

verb (used without object)

invited, inviting 

1. to give invitation; offer attractions or allurements.

noun

1. Informal.,  an invitation.

invite

verb

1. to ask (a person or persons) in a friendly or polite way (to do something, attend an event, etc)

   he invited them to dinner

2. to make a request for, esp publicly or formally

   to invite applications

3. to bring on or provoke; give occasion for

   you invite disaster by your actions

4. to welcome or tempt

noun

1. an informal word for invitation

Other Word Forms

• inviter noun
• invitee noun
• invitor noun
• preinvite verb (used with object)
• quasi-invited adjective
• reinvite verb
• self-invited adjective
• uninvited adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of invite¹

First recorded in 1525–35, invite is from the Latin word invītāre

Word History and Origins

Origin of invite¹

C16: from Latin invītāre to invite, entertain, from _in- ² + -vītāre, probably related to Greek hiesthai to be desirous of

Synonym Study

See call.

Example Sentences

But hoarding cruise missiles for another war that may or may not come invites more conflict.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Swift’s fiancé, Travis Kelce, a tight end with the Kansas City Chiefs, is a known sea otter fan, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium had previously invited the couple for a special visit.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On the Mall, near the Reflecting Pool, the breeze and overcast skies were somehow comforting and inviting.

Read more on Salon

Many at the service wore red after Beard's family invited fans to attend wearing football shirts or casual clothes.

Read more on BBC

“We are representative of all these pieces, all these different cultures. Danny is invited into something that is real and emotional and grounded.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appeal to www.thesaurus.com
• attract 
• call 
• draw 
• encourage 
• insist 
• lead 
• persuade 
• press 
• propose 
• request 
• suggest 
• summon 
• tempt 
• urge 
• welcome 
• woo