originality Hear it!

originality Definition

origi·nal·ity (ə rij′i nal′ə tē)

noun

  1. the quality or condition of being original
  2. the ability to be inventive or creative

Etymology: Fr originalité

originality Synonyms

originality

n.

creativity, creativeness, inventiveness, innovation, invention, ingenuity, ingeniousness, conception, realization, authenticity, novelty, freshness, nonconformity, newness, modernity, individuality, brilliance, intellectual independence, a creative spirit, a creative mind; see also imagination 1.

Antonyms imitation*, dependency*, imitativeness.

originality Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • lack: Even the choice of the name Antonio lacks any originality in the drama of the period.
  • demonstrate: Students are encouraged to design and maintain some of their own equipment and are given every opportunity to demonstrate originality.
  • show: Marks will be awarded for the originality shown in the staging of your exhibit.
  • combine: The hotel combines stylish originality with the best of traditional English hospitality.
  • maintain: To maintain the originality, each centrally heated cottage is furnished with locally made pine furniture, including the bedroom suites.
  • claim: We do not, however, claim any originality here.

Adjective modifier

  • startling: The first, maintained by Tom Willis is named, with startling originality 'The Pyramid ' .
  • sheer: The quality, the diversity of design, and the sheer originality of Mexican silver jewelry makes the items on sale here truly special.
  • striking: Complex machines, films, live music and an acute sense of the absurd combine in creating images of striking originality.
  • outstanding: The submitted work need not be in its final form but must provide evidence of outstanding originality and promise.
  • genuine: First 80-85 % As above, but with evidence of some genuine originality.
  • creative: Yet such a desire seems to be a precondition of the highest kind of creative originality.

Preposition: into

toy: Our 20-year tradition of distinctive design instills ingenuity and originality into every toy.

Modifies a noun

report: Below are links to a series of example originality reports.

Preposition: in

application: Students will have shown originality in the application of knowledge, and they will understand how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research.

Preposition: of

  • thought: The researchers are aware, however, that the adoption of such a consensus-based approach could mitigate against originality of thought.
  • approach: The answer will show no intentional originality of approach.
  • idea: Communication - quality of verbal expression Originality of ideas - the brain behind the mouth!
  • design: No other public statue by Kellock Brown equals his Carlyle in originality of design.
  • project: Originality of project: how much of the project repeats other people's work?