invention

A new tool, machine, or idea that someone has created for the first time.

• Her invention saves water.
• He showed us his latest invention.
• Several useful inventions began as simple ideas.

Similar words: creation, innovation

Common phrases: a new invention, a useful invention, a brilliant invention, patent an invention

The act or process of creating something for the first time.

• The invention of paper changed history.
• Travel became easier after the invention of the railway.
• She studies the processes of invention and discovery.

How to use it: the invention of something (The invention of the telephone changed communication.)

Similar words: creation, origination

Common phrases: the invention of something, before its invention, since its invention

The ability to think of new ideas or create new things.

• Her work shows great invention.
• The writer's powers of invention impressed his readers.
• These designs lack invention, although they are beautifully made.

Similar words: creativity, imagination, inventiveness, ingenuity

Common phrases: powers of invention, great invention, musical invention

A short, complete piece of music, especially one with two or three parts by Bach.

• She played an invention by Bach.
• This invention has two independent musical parts.
• We practiced three inventions during the piano lesson.

Common phrases: a bach invention, a two-part invention, play an invention