invited

Invited is the past participle of the verb invite and can function as both a verb form and an adjective. As a verb, invited appears in perfect tenses and passive constructions, such as “You have been invited” or “We invited them to the event.” As an adjective, it describes someone or something that has received an invitation, for example “invited guests” or “invited speakers.”

Etymology and origins: The word derives from the verb invite, which comes from Old French inviter and ultimately from Latin invitare, meaning to invite, entertain, or bid to come.

Usage and context: Invited is most commonly used in contexts involving events, gatherings, or formal occasions. It contrasts with invitation, the noun referring to the act or document that invites someone, and with invitee, the person who has been invited. In contemporary writing, invited is frequently paired with prepositions such as to or by, as in “invited to speak” or “invited by the committee.” The verb form can express completed action relative to a time ("They had invited several guests") or a future plan in passive voice ("You are invited to attend").

Special uses: In academic and professional settings, the term appears in phrases like “invited talk” or “invited speaker,” indicating approval or solicitation by organizers rather than a general invitation extended to many.

Examples: “She was invited to join the panel.” “The event sends invitations to all invited guests.” “An invited speaker opened the conference.”

See also: invitation, invite, invitee, invitational.