Originality
What it means
The quality of creating or expressing something independently and freshly.
Reach for it when praising a contribution that is more than a copy
The judges valued the originality of a filter made from local waste.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
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| formal |
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everyday
Fits when imagination produces useful ideas
Careful Creativity can remix familiar material without strong originality.
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everyday
Fits when vision reaches beyond present facts
Careful Imagination can remain private.
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warm
freshness
Fits when a familiar subject feels newly alive
Careful Freshness may come from timing, not creation.
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warm
Fits when the creator's character comes through
Careful Individuality concerns identity more than newness.
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professional
Fits when clever solutions address constraints
Careful Inventiveness emphasizes problem-solving rather than voice.
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formal
Fits when resourceful cleverness solves difficulty
Careful Ingenuity may improve an existing method.
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formal
Fits when newness itself is measured
Careful Novelty can be superficial and valueless.
Opposites 3
- imitation
- conformity
- staleness
Common phrases 3
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show originality
The final proposal can show originality without ignoring proven safety.
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creative originality
Her creative originality appeared in the exhibit's sound design.
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prize originality
The award will prize originality alongside usefulness and care.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vininn126, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated