invite
B1Neutral (both verb and informal noun); verb is formal in certain contexts (e.g., wedding invitations); noun usage is informal/conversational.
Definition
Meaning
To ask someone politely or formally to come somewhere or to do something.
To seem to encourage or provoke something, especially something undesirable (e.g., 'His comment invited criticism'). Also used informally as a noun meaning 'an invitation'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun 'invite' (as in 'I got an invite') is considered informal or conversational; the formal noun is 'invitation'. The verb can be used literally (asking someone to an event) or figuratively (provoking a reaction).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun usage ('invite' meaning 'invitation') is common in informal speech in both varieties but is sometimes considered more informal in British English. The verb is identical.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
The informal noun 'invite' may be slightly more frequent in American informal speech, but is widespread in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Sb] invite [Sb] to [sth/do sth][Sb] invite [Sb] for [sth][Sb] invite [Sb] over/along/outVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Invite trouble”
- “Leave the invite open”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Formal written or email invitations to meetings, conferences, or events.
Academic
Used in social research contexts (e.g., 'Participants were invited to complete a survey').
Everyday
Asking friends over, to parties, or for casual outings.
Technical
In computing/IT: 'invite users to a platform' or 'invite permissions'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Shall we invite the neighbours round for tea?
- The university invites applications from all qualified candidates.
American English
- Let's invite them over to watch the game.
- The company invites proposals from qualified vendors.
adverb
British English
- No adverbial use.
American English
- No adverbial use.
adjective
British English
- No common adjectival use.
American English
- No common adjectival use.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I want to invite my friend to my birthday party.
- Did you invite Tom?
- They invited us for dinner last weekend.
- He didn't invite me to the meeting.
- Her careless statement invited widespread criticism.
- We've been invited to attend the conference in Berlin.
- The new policy risks inviting legal challenges from affected parties.
- The artist's work invites the viewer to question their own perceptions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a VITE (rhymes with 'kite') flying to your party. You INvite it in. IN + VITE = ask to come IN.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A CONTAINER (you invite someone INTO your space/event).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'invite' as a noun (Russian may use 'приглашение' for both formal/informal). The Russian verb 'приглашать' covers all verb uses correctly.
Common Mistakes
- Using the noun 'invite' in formal writing (use 'invitation'). Confusing 'invite' with 'call' (e.g., 'He invited me' vs. 'He called me' – different actions).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'invite' used informally as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is informal. In formal writing, use 'invitation'.
'Invite' is primarily a verb; 'invitation' is the standard noun. Using 'invite' as a noun is casual speech.
Yes, figuratively it can mean 'to encourage something bad to happen' (e.g., 'Leaving the car unlocked invites theft').
'Invite' is more specific, meaning to ask someone to go somewhere or do something, often socially. 'Ask' is more general.