creative
kree-AY-tihv
Creative (adj) means involving original ideas or imagination; inventive. Example: “The team came up with a creative solution to the budget problem.”
adj
1
Involving original ideas or imagination; inventive.
"The team came up with a creative solution to the budget problem."
"She has always been a very creative writer."
"Painting helps him feel creative after a long day at the office."
noun
1
A person who works in a creative or design role, especially in advertising.
"The agency hired three new creatives for the ad campaign."
"Most of the creatives in the studio work late when a deadline is close."
"He is a creative who designs adverts for a living."
2
Advertising or marketing material such as images, video, or copy.
"The marketing team needs new creative for the spring campaign."
"The client approved the creative before it went live."
"We tested two versions of the creative to see which worked better."
How to use creative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShowing imagination and original thinking, or (as a noun) a person or material in advertising/design work.
Common pairings
creative writing
creative solution
ad creative
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Word forms
- Plural
- creatives
- Comparative
- more creative
- Superlative
- most creative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The team came up with a _____ solution to the budget problem.
Etymology
From Late Latin creativus, from Latin creare, "to create."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for creative
See all rhymes for creative →Frequently asked questions
What does “creative” mean?
The word “creative” means involving original ideas or imagination; inventive. In plain terms, showing imagination and original thinking, or (as a noun) a person or material in advertising/design work.
How do you pronounce “creative”?
“Creative” is pronounced kree-AY-tihv (/kɹiˈeɪtɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “creative” in a sentence?
Here is “creative” used in a sentence: “The team came up with a creative solution to the budget problem.”
What is another word for “creative”?
Words with a similar meaning to “creative” include inventive, original and Promethean.
What is the opposite of “creative”?
The opposite of “creative” — its antonyms — are imitative and annihilative.
What part of speech is “creative”?
Depending on how it is used, “creative” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “creative” come from?
The word “creative” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin creativus, from Latin creare, "to create.".
Is “creative” a common word?
“Creative” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between creative and innovative?
Creative describes the use of original ideas and imagination — coming up with something new or expressive. Innovative is narrower, focusing on turning new ideas into practical improvements, often products or methods. You can be creative purely for art's sake, but innovation implies the creative idea is actually applied to change how something is done.
Can creativity be learned?
Yes, largely. While some people seem naturally imaginative, creativity is widely seen as a skill that can be developed through practice, curiosity, and exposure to new ideas. Techniques like brainstorming, combining unrelated concepts, and leaving room to experiment all strengthen it. Few experts treat creativity as a fixed trait you either have or lack.
Is creative a positive word?
Almost always, yes. Calling someone or something creative is usually high praise, signalling originality, imagination, and inventiveness. The main exception is ironic use, such as "creative accounting," where it hints at bending rules dishonestly. There the positive sense is deliberately twisted to imply cleverness used for the wrong ends.
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