Basic Details
Word: Patent
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A special right granted by the government to an inventor to make, use, or sell an invention for a certain period of time.
Synonyms: Licence, exclusivity, copyright
Antonyms: Public domain, open access
Idioms and Phrases
- Patently obvious: Something that is clearly true or easy to see. Example: "It was patently obvious that she was very talented in art."
- File a patent: To officially submit an application to get a patent for an invention. Example: "He decided to file a patent for his new gadget that helps people cook faster."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The inventor was thrilled to receive a patent for his innovative tool that could save time in the kitchen.
Example 2: Without a patent, anyone could copy his invention and sell it without permission.
Example 3: She spent countless hours in the lab, determined to develop a product worthy of a patent.
Fun Fact
The word "patent" comes from the Latin word "patere," which means "to lay open." This reflects the idea that a patent makes an invention public but protects the inventor's exclusive rights.
Famous Quote
"The patent system adds the fuel of interest to the fire of genius." Abraham Lincoln
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "patent" mean?
a) A type of animal
b) A special right to an invention
c) A scientific theory
d) A style of painting
Answer: b) A special right to an invention
2. Which of these is a synonym of "patent"?
a) Licence
b) Painting
c) Garden
d) Animal
Answer: a) Licence
3. Which sentence uses "patent" correctly?
a) He read a patent about the weather.
b) She has a patent for her new phone app that helps students learn.
c) The bird is under a patent.
d) I went to the patent store to buy groceries.
Answer: b) She has a patent for her new phone app that helps students learn.
4. Which idiom means something is clearly true?
a) Patently obvious
b) File a patent
c) At the end of the rainbow
d) A picture is worth a thousand words
Answer: a) Patently obvious
5. What is the opposite of "patent"?
a) N/A
b) Secret
c) Public domain
d) Exclusive
Answer: c) Public domain
