creativity

[kree-ey-tiv-i-tee, kree-uh-]

noun

1. the state or quality of being creative.

2. the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination.

   the need for creativity in modern industry; creativity in the performing arts.

3. the process by which one utilizes creative ability.

   Extensive reading stimulated his creativity.

Other Word Forms

• anticreativity noun
• noncreativity noun
• uncreativity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of creativity¹

First recorded in 1870–75; creative + -ity