invention

/ɪnˈvenʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈvenʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈven(t)-shən/ (ame, mw)

invention — noun

  • inventionsingular
  • inventionsplural

1. any machine, tool, or idea that a person designs and builds for the very first t

1.名詞B2
釋義

any machine, tool, or idea that a person designs and builds for the very first time; also the work of bringing a new thing into existence through research and careful thinking

例句

Hassan's **invention** of a solar-powered water pump changed how the village collected clean water.

invention of [a device] — concrete product

The telephone is often named one of the most important **inventions** of the last two centuries.

countable: [something] is an invention

同義詞
  • creation

    broader term; can refer to art, ideas, or any made thing, not necessarily practical or first-of-its-kind

  • innovation

    an improvement on something that already exists, rather than a brand-new product

  • breakthrough

    a sudden important advance, often in science or medicine, that solves a long-standing problem

  • device

    a physical tool or piece of equipment; neutral term that does not imply originality

反義詞
  • copy

    something made to look like an existing product

  • imitation

    a reproduction of an original design

文法句型

invention + of + noun phrase

invention + that-clause

用法筆記

Countable when referring to a specific device or idea (a new invention). Uncountable when referring to the act or process (the invention of the printing press). Subject is often a person or an organisation.

常見錯誤

❌Edison's discovery of the light bulb.
✅Edison's invention of the light bulb.
💡a discovery finds something that already exists; an invention creates something new.
❌This is a very useful invention.
✅This is a very useful device / piece of technology.
💡a gadget is called an invention only when it is genuinely new, not just useful.

2. an untrue story, explanation, or claim that someone deliberately makes up; also

2.名詞B2
釋義

an untrue story, explanation, or claim that someone deliberately makes up; also the practice of inventing dishonest accounts or excuses

例句

Trang dismissed the rumour as a complete **invention** by jealous coworkers.

complete invention — fabricated story

The suspect's alibi was pure **invention**; the police found proof that he was at the scene.

pure invention — totally made up

同義詞
  • fabrication

    stronger and more formal; implies deliberate deceit

  • lie

    direct and common; a false statement made intentionally

  • falsehood

    formal and neutral; a statement that is not true, without necessarily implying blame

反義詞
  • truth

    a fact or statement that is accurate and real

  • fact

    information that can be verified as true

文法句型

pure/sheer + invention

be an invention

用法筆記

Commonly paired with pure or complete for emphasis (pure invention / complete invention). Often used in contexts of gossip, journalism, court testimony, or personal excuses. The uncountable use (It's all invention) emphasises that nothing in the account is true.

常見錯誤

❌He told an invention about his weekend.
✅He made up a story about his weekend.
💡invention as a false story sounds formal or accusatory; in casual speech, 'made up a story' or 'a lie' is more natural.
❌The invention was very convincing.
✅The lie was very convincing.
💡when referring to a false statement, lie or fabricated story is clearer.