In*vite" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Invited; p. pr. & vb. n. Inviting.] [L. invitare: cf. F. inviter. See Vie.]

1. To ask; to request; to bid; to summon; to ask to do some act, or go to some place; esp., to ask to an entertainment or visit; to request the company of; as, to invite to dinner, or a wedding, or an excursion.

So many guests invite as here are writ.

I invite his Grace of Castle Rackrent to reflect on this.

2. To allure; to draw to; to tempt to come; to induce by pleasure or hope; to attract.

To inveigle and invite the unwary sense.

Shady groves, that easy sleep invite.

There no delusive hope invites despair.

3. To give occasion for; as, to invite criticism.

Syn. -- To solicit; bid; call; ask; summon; allure; attract; entice; persuade.

In*vite", v. i. To give invitation. Milton.

• To ask for the presence or participation of someone.
       We invited our friends round for dinner.
  
• To request formally.
       I invite you all to be seated.
  
• To encourage.
       I always invite criticism of my definitions.
       Wearing that skimpy dress, you are bound to invite attention.
  
• (informal) An invitation.