Reading Theme:
Creative: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：imaginative and original (creative)
creative
/kriˈeɪtɪv/
adj.
Using imagination to think of new and interesting ideas, often in art or play.
imaginative and original
➕
/ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv ænd əˈrɪdʒənəl/
adj.
Describes someone who uses imagination to produce new and interesting ideas, often in artistic or playful contexts.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'creare' (to create) + suffix '-ive' (having the nature of).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'create' + 'ive' – full of creating new ideas.
📖 Example
My little brother is so creative; he turned an old cardboard box into a fantastic spaceship for his toys.
My little brother is so creative; he turned an old cardboard box into a fantastic spaceship for his toys.
🔗 Collocations
creative thinking – the ability to think in new and original ways
creative play – play that involves imagination and invention
creative expression – the act of expressing ideas or feelings in an artistic way
🔄 Synonyms
imaginative (adj.) – having or showing creativity or inventiveness
innovative (adj.) – featuring new methods; advanced and original
original (adj.) – created directly and personally by a particular artist; not a copy
🚫 Antonyms
unimaginative (adj.) – lacking imagination or originality
conventional (adj.) – based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed
🌱 Derivatives
creativity (n.) – the use of imagination or original ideas to create something
creatively (adv.) – in a creative manner
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'creativus', meaning 'having the quality of creating'. Entered English in the 17th century, now key in arts, business, and tech for innovation.
Meaning 2：producing new ideas (creative)
creative
/kriˈeɪtɪv/
adj.
Relating to a process or activity that involves producing new things or ideas.
producing new ideas
➕
/prəˈdjuːsɪŋ njuː aɪˈdiːəz/
adj.
Relating to activities or processes that generate new things or ideas, often in practical or professional contexts.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The software engineer found a creative solution to a complex technical problem that saved the company weeks of work.
The software engineer found a creative solution to a complex technical problem that saved the company weeks of work.
🔗 Collocations
creative solution – an original and effective way to solve a problem
creative process – the series of steps involved in creating something new
creative industry – economic sectors concerned with generating and exploiting knowledge and information
🔄 Synonyms
innovative (adj.) – introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking
inventive (adj.) – having the ability to create or design new things or to think originally
resourceful (adj.) – having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties
🚫 Antonyms
uncreative (adj.) – not creative; lacking originality
routine (adj.) – performed as part of a regular procedure rather than for a special reason
🌱 Derivatives
creativity (n.) – the use of imagination or original ideas to create something
creatively (adv.) – in a creative manner
Wordbook
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