Originator
What it means
A person who creates or begins something new.
Reach for it when identifying the person who first devises or begins an idea, method, or work
The originator of the seed library shared credit with volunteers.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
creator
Fits when making the thing is the main role
Careful Several people can create after another person originates the idea.
-
warm
Fits when first practice opens a path for others
Careful A pioneer may adopt rather than originate an idea.
-
professional
Fits when a lasting organization or venture is begun
Careful A founder need not devise its core idea.
-
professional
initiator
Fits when the person starts action or process
Careful Starting execution differs from creating the concept.
-
professional
Fits when a novel device or process is developed
Careful Invention may be legally or technically defined.
-
formal
author
Fits when responsibility for a written or designed work matters
Careful Authorship does not fit every invention.
-
literary
progenitor
Fits when an early source of a tradition is intended
Careful Progenitor is elevated and can imply ancestry.
Opposites 3
- imitator
- follower
- copyist
Common phrases 3
-
original originator
The archive credited the original originator of the seed library.
-
idea's originator
The idea's originator invited volunteers to improve it.
-
originator of the method
The originator of the method published every failed trial.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Originator should follow evidence and shared credit; many ideas have several independent or collaborative sources.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Usmaan, British accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated