What is invite? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of invite

inviteverb

/ɪnˈvʌɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of invite

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "invite" in English. Here's a breakdown, with a few options depending on regional accents:

General American Pronunciation (most common):

  • ih-VINEET
    • ih: Like the "i" in "bit" or "sit."
    • VINEET: This is the tricky part. The "V" is generally pronounced as a "v" sound, not a "w" sound. The "ee" is long, like in "see." The "t" at the end is a very light, quick "t" sound – almost silent.

British Pronunciation:

  • in-VITE
    • in: Like the "in" in "in"
    • VITE: Similar to the American pronunciation, "V" as a "v", "ee" as in "see" and a light "t" sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable: "ih"
  • "V" Sound: Make sure you pronounce the "V" as a "v" - don't let it become a "w".
  • Light "t": Don't overemphasize the final "t." It’s a very quick sound.

Resources for Hearing It:

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Usage and examples with the word invite in English

Let's break down how to use the word "invite" in English. It's a very common and versatile word!

1. Basic Meaning: To ask someone to come somewhere or do something.

  • Simple invitation: "I invite you to my party." (You're asking someone to attend a party.)
  • Formal invitation: "The university invites all students to the graduation ceremony." (An institution is extending an invitation.)
  • Informal invitation: "Want to invite Sarah over for dinner?" (A casual suggestion to include someone.)

2. Different Forms & Usage:

  • Invite + someone: This is the most common way to use it.
    • "I invited my friend to the concert."
    • "She invited her colleagues to lunch."
  • Invite + something: You can invite someone to do something.
    • "He invited me to dance."
    • "They invited us to a BBQ."
  • Invite + a meeting/discussion: "We need to invite the team to a meeting to discuss the project."
  • To be invited: This describes the action received – when someone asks you to do something.
    • "I was invited to the wedding."
    • "She was invited to speak at the conference."

3. Phrases with "Invite":

  • Extend an invitation: (Often used in formal situations) "The company extended an invitation to the CEO to visit Japan."
  • Put out an invitation: (Similar to “extend”) "They put out an invitation for volunteers to help with the event."
  • Invite someone to (something): This is very common and specifies what you're inviting them to.
    • "I invited her to the museum."
    • "He invited me to the game."
  • Invite someone along: (Suggesting inclusion) "Let's invite John along; he'd love to come."

4. Levels of Formality:

  • Formal: "We hereby invite you..." (Often used in official letters or announcements.)
  • Semi-formal: “I would like to invite you…”
  • Informal: "Let’s invite..." "Want to invite..."

5. Examples in Context:

  • “The restaurant invites reservations.” (invites = provides the option)
  • “My parents invited us to spend Christmas with them.” (invited = asked us to come)
  • "Could you invite your brother to the party?" (invite= ask him to come)
  • "I'm inviting you to my house for a movie night." (inviting = asking you to come)

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Synonyms for the word invite

Practice with vocabulary invite

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. We would like to ________ all project stakeholders to attend the upcoming review session.
  2. The management has decided to ________ a third-party expert to facilitate the workshop on ethical leadership.
  3. Before finalizing the budget, the finance department asked us to ________ a detailed spending proposal.
  4. Upon their arrival, the event staff will personally ________ each international delegate to the conference registration desk.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The research institution plans to ________ distinguished scientists to present their latest findings at the annual symposium. (A) invite (B) compel (C) summon (D) request the presence of

  2. To foster a collaborative environment, the team lead aims to ________ suggestions for process improvements from every member. (A) demand (B) solicit (C) dictate (D) require

  3. The company's inclusive culture is designed to ________ new ideas and diverse perspectives from all employees. (A) prohibit (B) discourage (C) invite (D) welcome

  4. We received a formal ________ to the exclusive executive dinner next month, hosted by the CEO. (A) decree (B) invitation (C) summons (D) mandate

  5. It is essential to ________ clear goals and expectations at the beginning of any new partnership to ensure alignment. (A) imply (B) articulate (C) obscure (D) state

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Formal requests for attendance were sent to all potential partners for the industry summit. Rewrite: (Start with "We formally...")
  2. Original: The positive results of the pilot program encouraged the board to consider including more external advisors. Rewrite: (Use a form of "invite" or a related noun phrase)
  3. Original: The project manager asked for detailed feedback from the client regarding the proposed design changes. Rewrite: (Do not use "invite"; use a suitable replacement verb)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. invite
  2. invite
  3. submit
  4. welcome

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (A) invite, (D) request the presence of
  2. (B) solicit
  3. (C) invite, (D) welcome
  4. (B) invitation
  5. (B) articulate, (D) state

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We formally invited all potential partners to attend the industry summit.
  2. The positive results of the pilot program extended an invitation to the board to consider including more external advisors.
  3. The project manager solicited detailed feedback from the client regarding the proposed design changes.

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