innovative
ihn-NO-vuh-tihv
Innovative (adj) means introducing new ideas or methods; creative and original. Example: “The architect came up with an innovative design that saved a lot of energy.”
adj
1
Introducing new ideas or methods; creative and original.
"The architect came up with an innovative design that saved a lot of energy."
"Their marketing team is known for innovative campaigns."
"The school uses an innovative approach to teaching maths."
How to use innovative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing things in a new, creative way rather than the old standard way.
Common pairings
innovative solution
innovative design
highly innovative
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more innovative
- Superlative
- most innovative
Fill the gap
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The architect came up with an _____ design that saved a lot of energy.
Etymology
From innovate plus the adjective suffix -ive.
Synonyms
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inventive
original
groundbreaking
trailblazing
forward-thinking
innovatory
avant-garde
ahead of the curve
ahead of one's time
hip
pioneering
cutting edge
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for innovative
See all rhymes for innovative →Frequently asked questions
What does “innovative” mean?
The word “innovative” means introducing new ideas or methods; creative and original. In plain terms, doing things in a new, creative way rather than the old standard way.
How do you pronounce “innovative”?
“Innovative” is pronounced ihn-NO-vuh-tihv (/ˈɪn.əˌveɪtɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “innovative” in a sentence?
Here is “innovative” used in a sentence: “Their marketing team is known for innovative campaigns.”
What is another word for “innovative”?
Words with a similar meaning to “innovative” include innovatory, avant-garde, ahead of the curve, ahead of one's time, hip and pioneering.
What is the opposite of “innovative”?
The opposite of “innovative” — its antonyms — are epigonic, imitative, epigonous and rearguard.
What part of speech is “innovative”?
“Innovative” is an adjective.
Is “innovative” a common word?
“Innovative” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between innovative and creative?
Creative describes the ability to generate new ideas and imaginative work in general. Innovative goes a step further, describing ideas or methods that are not only new but actually introduce fresh approaches, often putting original thinking into practice.
What is the difference between innovative and inventive?
Both relate to new ideas, but inventive stresses the act of devising something that did not exist before, while innovative stresses introducing new ideas or methods and improving on existing ways of doing things. An innovative approach can refine an established product, not just invent one.
What nouns commonly follow innovative?
Innovative often describes solutions, ideas, designs, technology, and approaches, as in an innovative solution or innovative design. It typically praises something for being creative and original in method.
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