create
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /kriːˈeɪt/
US
- /kriˈeɪt/
Description
- make
- bring into being
- produce
- invent
- cause
To create something means to bring it into existence—to make it from nothing, or to turn existing things into something new. Think of a sculptor creating a statue from clay, or an author creating a world within the pages of a book. It's more than just building; it suggests an idea, a plan, or a fresh way of doing something. A chef might cook a meal from ingredients, but they can create a new dish that feels unique.
The word often carries a sense of artistry or newness. It can also simply mean "cause": you can create a problem, create a mess, or create tension. In everyday life (and especially in tech), you might create an account, create a document, or create a schedule—meaning you make it and set it up. However you use it, the core idea is making something that wasn't there before.
The word "create" signifies bringing something into existence that didn't exist before—whether it's tangible like a physical object, or intangible like an idea, feeling, or system. It goes beyond simply assembling or constructing; creation implies originality, imagination, and often, skill.
A potter creates a vase from clay, shaping the form with their hands. A composer creates music by arranging notes into a melody. But you can also create something less concrete: "The new law created opportunities for small businesses," or "His actions created tension in the room." This means the law led to those opportunities and his actions caused the tension.
"Create" is often used when discussing art, innovation, and invention. Artists create masterpieces, scientists create theories, and entrepreneurs create new products. It suggests a deliberate act of bringing something novel into being.
However, "create" can also be used in less positive contexts. You might say someone "created a mess" or "created a problem," meaning they caused it to happen. But even then, the core idea remains: bringing something—good or bad—into existence.
There's also a very common, practical use: to create something in a system. You can create an account, create a folder, create a file, or create a calendar event—meaning you set it up so it exists and can be used.
So whether you're building a house, writing a story, setting up a new project, solving a puzzle, or accidentally causing trouble, "create" is about making things happen and shaping the world around you. It's a powerful word that speaks to our capacity for innovation, expression, and change.
Examples
- 1
Account setup
Tap here to create a new account.
- 2
Family gift
She created a photo album for her parents.
- 3
Furniture making
He creates furniture out of old wood.
- 4
Employment
The new factory could create hundreds of jobs.
- 5
Atmosphere
Soft lighting creates a calm atmosphere.
- 6
Confusion
The delay created a lot of confusion.
- 7
Unintended problems
The changes created more problems than they solved.
- 8
Advertising impression
The ad creates the impression that the service is free.
Pattern
create the impression that + clause
make it seem that something is true
- 9
Youth opportunities
The charity works to create opportunities for young people.
- 10
Reporting concern
I don't want to create trouble, but this needs to be reported.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- createverb
Forms
- createdpast tenseverb
- creating-ing formverb
- createsverb