invite

"Invite" is a common, everyday word with a few closely related but distinct meanings. It works both as a verb (the action of asking someone to come) and informally as a noun (the invitation itself). Here are the most useful senses.

1verbask someone to come or join

When you invite someone, you ask them to come to a place or take part in something — like a party, a meeting, or an event. It is a friendly or formal request, not a demand.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She invited all her classmates to her birthday party.

The company invited him to attend the annual conference.

We would love to invite you to dinner this Saturday.

2verbask someone to do something

You can also invite someone to do a specific action — like speak, ask questions, or share their opinion. This is a polite way of encouraging someone to do something.

formal and professional settings · Modern, widely used

The teacher invited the students to share their ideas.

At the end of the presentation, the speaker invited questions from the audience.

The manager invited her team to suggest improvements.

3verbfigurativecause something (usually negative) to happen

When you say that someone's behaviour 'invites' a reaction or problem, you mean they are making it very likely to happen — almost as if they are welcoming it, even if they do not mean to. This is a figurative use.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

Leaving your car unlocked invites theft.

His rude comments invited a lot of criticism.

Ignoring the warning signs only invites more trouble.

4nounan invitation

In informal speech and writing, people often use 'invite' as a noun to mean an invitation — the card, message, or request you receive asking you to come somewhere.

informal, everyday language · Modern, informal usage

Did you get the invite to Marco's wedding?

I sent out the invites for the party last week.

She was upset that she didn't receive an invite.