Invite

Pronunciation

• verb enPR: Ä­nvÄ«t', IPA: /ɪnˈvaɪt/
• noun enPR: Ä­n'vÄ«t, IPA: /ˈɪnvaɪt/
• Rhymes: -aɪt

Origin

From Middle French inviter, from Latin invītō.

Full definition of invite

Verb

1. (transitive) To ask for the presence or participation of someone or something.We invited our friends round for dinner.
2. (transitive) To request formally.I invite you all to be seated.
3. (transitive) To encourage.I always invite criticism of my definitions.Wearing that skimpy dress, you are bound to invite attention.
• 1902, Roosevelt, The refusal to maintain such a navy would invite trouble, and if trouble came would insure disaster.
4. (transitive) To allure; to draw to; to tempt to come; to induce by pleasure or hope; to attract.
• Miltonto inveigle and invite the unwary sense
• Drydenshady groves, that easy sleep invite
• CowperThere no delusive hope invites despair.

Synonyms

• (ask for the presence or participation of) ask out
• (request formally) ask, beseech, entreat, request
• (encourage) ask for, encourage, provoke

Noun

1. (informal) An invitation.