invitation
B1Neutral to formal; the basic meaning is used across all registers.
Definition
Meaning
A spoken or written request asking someone to go somewhere or to do something.
A situation or action likely to provoke a particular outcome or response; an attractive inducement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun form is far more common than the related verb 'to invite.' In its extended sense, it implies causality or strong encouragement, often negative (e.g., 'an invitation to trouble').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling and usage are identical. 'Invite' as a noun (e.g., 'I got an invite') is informal in both varieties but is slightly more prevalent and accepted in AmE informal contexts.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. The extended sense ('an invitation to disaster') is equally common in both.
Frequency
Comparably high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
invitation to + NP (to a party)invitation for + NP (for a meeting)invitation from + NP (from the mayor)invitation + infinitive (an invitation to speak)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “open invitation”
- “at the invitation of”
- “an invitation to (disaster/trouble)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A formal request to attend a meeting, conference, or tender. Often part of 'invitation to tender (ITT)' or 'letter of invitation' for visas.
Academic
A formal request to give a lecture, contribute to a journal, or attend a symposium.
Everyday
A request to attend a social event like a party, wedding, or dinner.
Technical
In computing, a request to join a network, server, or platform (e.g., 'invitation code').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They were invited to the garden party.
- Shall we invite them round for tea?
American English
- We invited them over for the game.
- The club invited her to be a guest speaker.
adverb
British English
- He spoke invitationally, with a welcoming tone. (Rare/Formal)
American English
- She smiled invitationally. (Rare/Poetic)
adjective
British English
- The invitation list is final.
- We're designing the invitation cards.
American English
- The invitation deadline is Friday.
- Check the invitation email for details.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have an invitation to a birthday party.
- Did you get the invitation?
- Thank you for the invitation.
- We sent out invitations to all our friends.
- He declined the invitation to the meeting.
- The letter was a formal invitation to the ceremony.
- Leaving your car unlocked is an open invitation to thieves.
- She received a coveted invitation to speak at the conference.
- The government issued an invitation for foreign investors to participate.
- His inflammatory remarks were seen as an invitation to conflict.
- The research grant includes an invitation to collaborate with the institute's senior fellows.
- The artist's work extends an implicit invitation to question societal norms.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
IN VITA (Latin for 'in life') + TION → An invitation brings someone INTO your LIFE for an event.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN OPPORTUNITY IS AN OPEN DOOR (e.g., 'an open invitation').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'invitation' for general 'offers' (предложение). 'Invitation' is specifically for asking someone to come/do something, not for offering goods. Don't confuse with 'invite' (noun) which is informal.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'invitation' with 'for doing' (incorrect: *invitation for joining). Correct: 'invitation to join'.
- Misspelling: 'invitation' (correct) vs. *'invition' or *'envitation'.
- Overusing the informal noun 'invite' in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST formal collocation?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the standard pattern is 'an invitation to do something' (e.g., an invitation to attend) or 'an invitation for + noun' (e.g., an invitation for the event).
'Invitation' is the standard, formal noun. 'Invite' used as a noun (e.g., 'I got an invite') is common in informal speech and digital communication but is often considered non-standard in formal writing.
Yes, in its extended sense. Phrases like 'an invitation to trouble' or 'an invitation for criticism' mean an action is likely to cause that negative outcome.
It has two meanings: 1) A standing offer that can be accepted at any time (e.g., 'You have an open invitation to visit'). 2) Something that makes a negative outcome very likely (e.g., 'The open window was an open invitation to burglars').