invent
UK/ɪn'vent/US/in'vent/
NGSL 3kA2
Definitions
v.
To create or design something that did not exist before
发明，创造
v.
To make up a false story or excuse
捏造，编造
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- (in, upon) + vent (come) = "to come upon." Note this in- means "upon," not "not." The original idea isn't building from scratch but stumbling onto an idea no one had reached — coming upon it. From real discovery the word also took a darker turn: to invent an excuse is to "come upon" a story that isn't true.
Root ven still carries 84 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.invent a device发明装置
- 2.invent an excuse编造借口
- 3.newly invented新发明的
- 4.invent the wheel发明轮子（reinvent the wheel 多此一举）
Example Sentences
- 1.
Who actually invented the telephone is still debated.
- 2.
She invented a clever device for peeling fruit.
- 3.
He invented an excuse so he could leave early.