Invitational

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Pertaining to a competition or event that is open only to participants who have received special invitations, this term also describes the process of selecting contestants based on invite criteria
2. Referring to contests or gatherings that only a select group of individuals can enter through an invitation, this word also indicates the exclusive nature of such events
3. Describing events or competitions restricted to those who have been specifically asked to join

Etymology: "Invitational" is a plain formation: the noun "invitation" with the adjective-forming suffix "-al" attached. That suffix has a long pedigree, having come into English through Middle English from Old French and ultimately from Latin "-alis", which itself was built from the older Proto-Italic form "-alis" and a Proto-Indo-European root that lies behind many adjectives meaning "of or pertaining to." The base word, "invitation," rests on the Latin verb "invitare," meaning to ask someone to come or to offer a welcome. So "invitational" literally means "pertaining to invitation," which is exactly how it is used today: for a tournament or event where entry depends on being asked rather than on signing up or qualifying through open competition.

Synonyms: inviting, welcome, encouraging, enticing, alluring