kənˈtɹaɪv dɪˈvaɪz ˈfæb.ɹɪ.keɪt ɪnˈvɛnt ˌmænjʊˈfæktʃə ˌmænjuˈfæktʃɚ come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort excogitate a way to measure the speed of light concoct something artificial or untrue vamp up an excuse for not attending the meeting