invite
/ɪnˈvaɪt/
verb
Origin
Latin
invitare — to entertain, treat, or summon
Overview
Meaning Now
- To request the presence or participation of someone in an event or social gathering.
- To encourage or attract someone or something, often unintentionally (e.g., inviting trouble).
Literal older meaning
to summon or call into
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
inviter
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The Latin verb 'invitare' originally related to the act of hospitality, specifically treating a guest well. Over time, it narrowed to the act of extending the request itself. The English noun 'invite' as a synonym for 'invitation' is a more modern, colloquial development dating from the 17th century.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
invitare
“to treat, entertain, or invite”
- Old French
inviter
“to invite, to entice”
- Middle English
invite
“to summon to an event”
Adapted from French into Middle English
Connections
Word parts
in-
prefix
into, towards
vitare
root
to treat or handle (related to invitation)
Related across languages
French
inviter
to invite
Spanish
invitar
to invite
Explore next
Related to invite
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.