WordGarden.iocreative
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /kriːˈeɪtɪv/
US
- /kriˈeɪtɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
using imagination to make original ideas, things, or solutions
Noun
a person who does creative work, especially in advertising, design, or media
an advertisement, image, video, or other campaign asset
Beyond the definition
Being creative isn't just about painting pretty pictures or writing beautiful poems—though it can be! It's about having the ability to come up with new and original ideas, solve problems in unique ways, and see things from a different perspective. Think of a chef inventing a brand-new dish, an engineer designing a groundbreaking bridge, or even a child building a magnificent fort out of blankets and pillows; all are examples of creativity at work.
Sometimes "creative" describes people—a creative artist or a creative thinker. Other times, it describes the result of that thinking—a creative solution or a creative approach. A writer might describe their process as "a very creative one," meaning it is full of imagination and unexpected turns. It's what makes life interesting!
The word "creative" refers to the ability to generate new ideas, make original connections, and express oneself in innovative ways. It is more than just artistic talent; it encompasses problem-solving, critical thinking, and a willingness to explore possibilities beyond the conventional.
You might describe someone as a "creative individual" if they consistently come up with fresh perspectives or unique solutions. A "creative writing" class focuses on developing imaginative storytelling skills, while a "creative industry," such as advertising or design, relies heavily on constant innovation and originality.
Creativity isn't limited to the arts, however. Scientists need creativity to formulate hypotheses and design experiments. Entrepreneurs need it to develop new products and business models. Even everyday tasks can benefit from a creative approach—finding a clever way to organize your closet, for example, requires a spark of ingenuity.
The opposite of creative is often considered uninspired, conventional, or unimaginative. While some believe creativity is an innate talent, many experts agree it is a skill that can be nurtured through practice, curiosity, and exposure to new experiences. Whether you are painting a masterpiece, inventing a gadget, or simply finding a better way to do a daily chore, "creative" describes the power of original thought and the imaginative expression that drives progress and enriches our lives.
Examples
- 1
Personal crafts
She's very creative and makes her own birthday cards every year.
- 2
Customer communication
We need a creative way to explain this to customers.
- 3
Creative writing
The school offers classes in art, music, and creative writing.
- Phrasecreative writing
writing stories, poems, and other imaginative work
- 4
Cooking
You can be creative with leftovers instead of throwing them away.
- Patternbe creative with + resource
use it in an original or clever way
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Workplace
The new manager gave the team more time for creative work.
- 6
Marketing
Their marketing team came up with a creative campaign that people actually remembered.
- 7
Storytelling
The film takes a creative approach to a familiar story.
- 8
Financial reporting
Some companies got into trouble for using creative accounting.
- Domaincreative accounting
accounting methods that hide the real financial situation
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- creative writing
- creative thinking
- creative solution
- creative director
Word family
Explore
- idea generation
- design thinking
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- creativenounadjective
Forms
- creativespluralnounadjective