originality
Americannoun
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the quality or state of being original.
- Synonyms:
- ingenuity, inventiveness, creativeness, cleverness
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ability to think or express oneself in an independent and individual manner; creative ability.
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freshness or novelty, as of an idea, method, or performance.
- Synonyms:
- creativeness, cleverness, ingenuity, inventiveness
noun
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the quality or condition of being original
-
the ability to create or innovate
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something original
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of originality
From the French word originalité, dating back to 1735–45. See original, -ity
Explanation
Originality is the quality of being new and inventive. A composer who writes a symphony to be played by car horns and cell phones shows great originality. When something is original, it is creative and not derived from something else. It's fresh. Originality refers to the quality of being original and new. Inventors are full of originality: they need to think of brand new ideas and products. A great artist is full of originality, especially when coming up with new and surprising types of art. If something is just like other things, it shows no originality. True originality is a rare thing.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Originality is a quality attributed to ideas and actions that appear unique, inventive, or unusual.
From Slate • Jun. 24, 2023
Originality is overrated, except by people who have it.
From The New Yorker • Dec. 16, 2019
Originality isn’t filmmaker Drew Pearce’s strong suit, but his sci-fi thriller has enough snaky twists and turns and moody energy to make it a fun ride.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 6, 2018
Originality is often a stumbling point, even in a genre that is particularly forgiving to both cliches and the derivative.
From Washington Post • Feb. 7, 2018
Originality in writing haz alwus been praized, but i hav red sum authors who were too original tew be interesting.
From The Complete Works of Josh Billings by Shaw, Henry W.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
