deviation. 1  the act of deviating. 2  departure from a standard or norm. 3  Statistics. the difference between one of a set of values and some fixed value, usually the mean of the set. 4  Navigation. the error of a magnetic compass, as that of a ship, on a given heading as a result of local magnetism. 5  Optics.
The definition of an invitation is a request for a person's attendance at an event. An example of an invitation is a printed card asking family and friends to come to the sender's wedding. 1  an inviting to come somewhere or do something. 2  the message or note used in inviting.  enticement or allurement.
More important, though, is the simple courtesy of responding to someone who was nice enough to invite you, even if it is to say that you regret that you will not be able to attend. Many wedding invitations come with a response card that you can mail back right away. Other written invitations will carry the host's telephone number so you can call with your reply, although under strict etiquette rules, a written invitation requires a written reply.