noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

originality

uh-rihd-zhih-NA-lih-tee

Originality (noun) means the quality of being new, inventive, and not copied from anyone else. Example: “The judges praised the originality of her design.”

noun

The quality of being new, inventive, and not copied from anyone else.

"The judges praised the originality of her design."

How to use originality

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHow fresh and non-derivative something is.

Common pairings

lack originality a spark of originality

Word forms

originalities plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “originality” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The judges praised the _____ of her design.

Etymology

From French originalité, built from original + the noun-forming suffix -ity.

Origin: French

Rhymes for originality

city pity deity acuity parity entity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality

See all rhymes for originality →

Frequently asked questions

What does “originality” mean?

The word “originality” means the quality of being new, inventive, and not copied from anyone else. In plain terms, how fresh and non-derivative something is.

How do you pronounce “originality”?

“Originality” is pronounced uh-rihd-zhih-NA-lih-tee (/əˌɹɪd͡ʒɪˈnælɪti/ in IPA).

How do you use “originality” in a sentence?

Here is “originality” used in a sentence: “The judges praised the originality of her design.”

What part of speech is “originality”?

“Originality” is a noun.

Where does the word “originality” come from?

The word “originality” comes from French. From French originalité, built from original + the noun-forming suffix -ity.

Is “originality” a common word?

“Originality” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include originality:

Words that start with O