invent
UK: ɪnˈvɛnt | US: ɪnˈvɛnt
vt. to create or design something new, especially through ingenuity or experimentation
vt. to fabricate or concoct (a false story or idea)
The word invent originates from Latin invenire ("to come upon, discover"), combining in- (upon) and venire (to come). It originally referred to discovering something already existing (e.g., uncovering a fact) but shifted in meaning to emphasize creating something entirely new, reflecting human ingenuity. The evolution mirrors the transition from passive discovery to active innovation.
Thomas Edison worked tirelessly to invent the electric light bulb.
She invented a clever excuse to avoid the meeting.
The team aims to invent a more efficient solar panel.
Ancient civilizations invented tools to simplify daily tasks.
Writers often invent fictional worlds to tell their stories.