What is invitation? Pronunciation and usage in English

invitation means . Learn how to pronounce and use invitation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of invitation

invitationnoun

/ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of invitation

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "invitation" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and a more conversational guide:

1. Phonetic Breakdown (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /ɪn.ˈvi.teɪ.ʃən/

Let's break that down:

  • /ɪn/: Sounds like "in" as in "in" a box.
  • /ˈvi/: This is the stressed syllable. Sounds like "vee" - but with a slightly higher pitch and a bit more emphasis.
  • /teɪ/: Sounds like "tay" as in "today".
  • /ʃən/: Sounds like "shun" - like the beginning of "shampoo".

2. A More Conversational Guide:

Here's how to say it step-by-step, focusing on the rhythm:

  1. "In" (as in "in" a box)
  2. "Vee" (a little higher and stronger than just saying “ve”)
  3. "Tay" (like "today")
  4. "Shun" (like "shampoo")

Putting it together: “In-VEE-tay-shun”

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("vee"). This is the most common mistake people make.
  • Short “i” sound: The "i" in "invita-" has a short "i" sound, like in "it." Don't say "invay-tah-shun."
  • Practice: Say it out loud several times. Record yourself and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation (you can find plenty on YouTube or online dictionaries).

Resources for Hearing it Pronounced:

Do you want me to:

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  • Give you some example sentences using the word "invitation"?

Usage and examples with the word invitation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "invitation" in English. It’s a versatile word with several common uses.

1. As a Noun (the most common use):

  • Meaning: An invitation is an official request or offer to attend an event or participate in something. It's a formal or informal written or verbal offer to join an activity.

  • Examples:

    • "I received an invitation to the wedding." (Referring to a physical card or email)
    • "She sent out invitations to all her friends." (Referring to the act of sending them out)
    • "We need to design an invitation for the party." (Referring to the document itself)
    • "Can you send me an invitation to the meeting?" (Referring to the request itself)

2. As a Verb (less common, but important to know):

  • Meaning: To extend an invitation; to offer someone the opportunity to attend or participate.

  • Examples:

    • "The host invited his guests to the barbecue." (He extended an invitation)
    • "I'm going to invite my family over for dinner." (I am going to offer them the opportunity)

3. Phrases Using "Invitation":

  • Formal Invitation: This usually refers to a more elaborate, printed invitation, often for weddings, galas, or important events.
  • Informal Invitation: This could be a text message, email, or face-to-face request to join something casual.
  • Open Invitation: An invitation that doesn’t require a response, simply an expression of welcome. ("We're having an open invitation for anyone who wants to join us.")
  • Invitation only: An invitation that is specifically targeted to a select group of people.
  • Accept an invitation: To agree to attend an event that has been invited. (e.g., "I accepted the invitation to the concert.")

4. Context is Key:

  • Formality: "Invitation" can be used in both formal and informal settings. The tone of the surrounding words and the type of event will often indicate the level of formality.

Here's a table summarizing the common uses:

Form Part of Speech Meaning Example
Wedding Noun A card or email requesting attendance "She received an invitation to the wedding."
Party Noun A written or spoken request to attend "I sent out invitations for the party."
Meeting Verb To offer an opportunity "He invited his team to the meeting."
Open House Noun An un-responded invitation "We're having an open invitation to see the new exhibit."

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use “invitation” in a specific context (e.g., wedding invitations, business invitations)?
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  • Explain any particular nuance of the word?

Synonyms for the word invitation

Practice with vocabulary invitation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The organizing committee extended a formal _______ to all registered delegates for the opening reception.
  2. Before the meeting, please ensure you have reviewed the detailed _______ of the financial report.
  3. We received an immediate _______ from the client, confirming their attendance at next week's presentation.
  4. Her spontaneous _______ to join the project team was met with enthusiasm by the manager.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of these words best describes a formal written or spoken request for someone to attend an event or participate in an activity? a) invitation b) directive c) demand d) summons

  2. Which of these terms can be used when politely asking someone to join you for a casual meal or social gathering? a) invitation b) suggestion c) offer d) command

  3. The senior partners extended a special _______ to the new associate to attend the exclusive leadership retreat. a) invitation b) request c) inviting d) order

  4. To achieve our goals, we need a strong _______ for cooperation from all departments involved. a) proposal b) ultimatum c) decree d) mandate

  5. The CEO made a public _______ regarding the company's commitment to sustainability initiatives. a) statement b) invitation c) petition d) entreaty

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: "They asked all stakeholders to participate in the strategic planning workshop." Rewrite to use "invitation" or a related word form.

  2. Original: "Could you please send an email to Professor Davies, requesting her to deliver the keynote address?" Rewrite to use "invitation" or a related word form.

  3. Original: "We formally asked the government for their support on this crucial infrastructure project." Rewrite, but do not use "invitation" or its related forms.

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The organizing committee extended a formal invitation to all registered delegates for the opening reception.
  2. Before the meeting, please ensure you have reviewed the detailed summary of the financial report.
  3. We received an immediate confirmation from the client, confirming their attendance at next week's presentation.
  4. Her spontaneous invitation to join the project team was met with enthusiasm by the manager.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) invitation
  2. a) invitation, b) suggestion, c) offer
  3. a) invitation
  4. a) proposal
  5. a) statement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. All stakeholders received an invitation to participate in the strategic planning workshop.
  2. Could you please send Professor Davies an invitation to deliver the keynote address?
  3. We formally requested the government's support on this crucial infrastructure project.

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