inventar

Senses

1. 1.

   to invent, to create

   to devise or create something new, especially a device or method

2. 2.

   to make up, to fabricate

   to create a false story or excuse; to lie

3. 3.

   to come up with, to think up

   to devise or imagine something spontaneously

Examples

• "Ele inventou uma desculpa para não ir à festa."

  He made up an excuse not to go to the party.

• "Quem inventou o telefone?"

  Who invented the telephone?

• "Não inventa moda, faz do jeito que eu falei!"

  Don't get creative, do it the way I told you!

Usage

Common in everyday speech. "Inventar moda" is a colloquial expression meaning to unnecessarily complicate things or deviate from the norm. Often used negatively when referring to making up stories ("inventar história/mentira"). The preposition "de" is used before the infinitive: "inventar de fazer algo" (to decide/get the idea to do something).