invitational
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌɪn.vɪˈteɪ.ʃən.əl/
KK: /ɪnˈvaɪtəˌnəl/
adjective
Definition
Relating to an event or competition that is only open to those who have been invited to participate.
Example
The invitational tournament attracted some of the best players in the country.
Conversation
Did you hear about the invitational tennis tournament this weekend?
Yeah, I heard it’s only for the top players in the area.
I wish I could compete, those events are always so exciting!
For sure! Hopefully, they’ll have more invitational events in the future.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
exclusive
select
private
Antonyms
open
public
inclusive
noun
Definition
An event, often a sports competition, that is only open to people who have been invited to participate.
Example
The school hosted an invitational for the best high school basketball teams in the region.
Conversation
Did you hear about the upcoming invitational tournament this weekend?
Yeah, I heard it's going to be really competitive!
I can't wait to see who gets invited to the invitational.
Root Explanation
Invitational is formed from "invite" (from Latin "invitare", meaning to summon or call in) and "-ional" (a suffix used to form adjectives indicating a relation to). The word "invitational" refers to something related to an invitation, typically an event where participants are invited to compete or attend.
Memory Tip
Think of 'inviting' someone to an event — 'invite' means to summon, and '-ional' indicates a relation. This helps you remember that 'invitational' refers to something related to an invitation.
Visually Confused Words
imitational
volitational
visitational
reinvitation
navigational
levitational
innovational
nutational