What does invitation mean?
An invitation is a request asking someone to attend an event, join an activity, or accept some opportunity. The word can describe both the act of inviting and the message or formal card used to make the request. It is common in social, professional, and ceremonial contexts, including weddings, parties, exhibitions, conferences, interviews, and collaborative projects. In formal situations, an invitation carries a sense of deliberate selection or honor: receiving one may suggest that the recipient is especially welcome or important. In everyday conversation, people may say invite more often, while invitation often emphasizes the request, the event, or the formal communication connected with it. The related verb invite expresses the action directly. An invitation can be accepted, declined, received, sent, or extended, making it a useful word for describing opportunities and social or professional connections.
nounA written, spoken, or electronic request inviting someone to attend an event, perform a service, or take part in an activity. It can also refer to the act of inviting someone or the response encouraging such participation.
- A request to attend an event, participate in an activity, or receive someone.
- An act of inviting someone; an offer or opportunity to join or take part.
- A formal written or spoken request, especially to an important guest or performer.
"She sent me an invitation to the exhibition opening."
"The invitation arrived by email on Monday."
"His invitation to join the project was an unexpected gesture of trust."
"She accepted the invitation to speak at the conference."
The plural is used for multiple requests or messages, as in sending out invitations.
"The invitations were mailed to all the guests."
An invitation can be declined, but it still opens the door to possibility.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does invitation come from?
Invitation comes through French invitation, from Latin invitatio, a noun meaning an invitation or a calling or summons. The Latin verb invitare meant to ask someone to come, entertain, or summon, and it is related to invitare in the sense of treating someone with hospitality. The English form developed in the 16th century, while the verb invite is a later borrowing from French inviter, from the same Latin root.
How invitation is actually used
The word is neutral in register, but it often sounds more formal than invite. In event planning, invitation commonly refers to the card, message, or formal request sent to guests.
Easily confused with invitation
An invitation is generally the request itself, often in written or electronic form, while an invite is the verb of asking or the noun form used more casually.