invention
/ɪnˈvɛnʃən/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: 4.04 in modern English
12
Scrabble Score
9
Letters
3
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A small, self-contained composition, particularly those in J.S. Bach’s Two- and Three-part Inventions.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
The act of discovering or finding; the act of finding out; discovery.
Archaic; Countable; Uncountable
Example Sentences
- "My new invention will let you alphabetize your matchbook collection in half the usual time."
- "I’m afraid there was no burglar. It was all the housekeeper’s invention."
- "Warren Sheffield is telephoning Rose long distance at half past six. […] Personally, I wouldn't marry a man who proposed to me over an invention."
- "British inventions have done more to influence the shape of the modern world than those of any other country. Many—football, the steam engine and Worcestershire sauce, to take a random selection—have spread pleasure, goodwill and prosperity. Others—the Maxim gun, the Shrapnel shell and jellied eels—have not."
- "The invention of the printing press was probably the most significant innovation of the medieval ages."
- "Invention, or the Genius of Hiſtoricizing and framing a Noble Idea upon the Subject one vvould Paint, is a particular Talent, not to be acquir'd by Study or Labour; but is properly a certain ardor exciting the Imagination, prompting and enabling it to Act."
Etymology
From Middle English invencion, invencioun, from Latin inventiō either directly or via Middle French invencion, from Latin invenīre (“to discover, find, invent”), from in- (“in-: in, into”) + venīre (“to come”). Doublet of inventio. By surface analysis, invent + -ion. Displaced native Old English orþanc.
Origin
Word Breakdown
- Root: invencion, inventiō, inveniō
Regional Pronunciation
- British English: /ɪnˈvɛnʃən/