novel

The word “novel” means new and original, in an interesting or unusual way. In plain terms, as an adjective: new and interesting. As a noun: a book-length story.

“Novel” is pronounced NO-vuhl (/ˈnavəl/ in IPA).

Here is “novel” used in a sentence: “Her novel approach to the problem impressed the whole team.”

Depending on how it is used, “novel” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “novel” comes from Latin. From Old French novel, "new," ultimately from Latin novus. The adjective and the fiction genre share this same root — both are about something "new.".

“Novel” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Novel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: new and original, in an interesting or unusual way.

As an adjective, novel means new and original, as in a novel approach. As a noun, a novel is a book-length work of fiction. They are spelled the same but unrelated in use, and word order usually makes the meaning clear, as in 'a novel idea' versus 'reading a novel'.

New simply means recent or not existing before. Novel means new and original in a way that is fresh, clever, or unusual. Every novel idea is new, but not every new idea is novel, since many new things are ordinary. Novel adds a sense of inventive originality that new lacks.

Usually, yes. Describing something as novel suggests it is refreshingly original and inventive, which is generally a compliment. It can occasionally carry a hint of caution, since a novel method may be untested, but on the whole it praises creativity and a welcome break from the familiar.

A novel solution to a problem is one no one has tried before, approached in an original way. A phone with a genuinely novel design breaks from what competitors offer. In science, a novel technique introduces a fresh method. In each case, novelty lies in its originality, not just its newness.