Originative
What it means
Creative and able to produce new ideas.
Reach for it when praising the ability to originate genuinely new ideas or forms
The originative student designed a folding desk for cramped rooms.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
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everyday
Fits when new and valuable ideas are produced
Careful Creative is broad and may involve adaptation.
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warm
Fits when rich possibilities and imagery deserve praise
Careful Imagination may never become a workable result.
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professional
Fits when a new method improves existing practice
Careful Innovation need not originate an idea from scratch.
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professional
Fits when novel practical solutions are central
Careful Invention emphasizes function more than artistic originality.
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formal
Fits when the work is not merely copied
Careful Original can mean first rather than imaginative.
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literary
Fits when one idea produces many further possibilities
Careful Generative does not guarantee novelty.
Opposites 3
- imitative
- derivative
- unoriginal
Common phrases 3
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originative thinker
The originative thinker connected flood control with public gardens.
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originative power
Her originative power appeared in simple tools for cramped rooms.
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highly originative
The solution was highly originative without being impractical.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Originative is rare; creative or inventive will sound more natural in most praise.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated