creativity

American  

[kree-ey-tiv-i-tee, kree-uh-] / ˌkri eɪˈtɪv ɪ ti, ˌkri ə- /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• anticreativity noun
• noncreativity noun
• uncreativity noun

Etymology

Origin of creativity

First recorded in 1870–75; creative + -ity

Example Sentences

Across its cliffs, moors and harbours, Cornwall continues to inspire creativity just as powerfully as it did for Graham, Woolf, du Maurier and Thompson.

From BBC

“People were amazed. They could see these top stars singing and dancing. They could hear the rat-a-tat of the guns. And sound also made for a tremendous amount of creativity in movie making.”

From The Wall Street Journal

"If scientists can definitively say that dreams are important for problem solving, creativity and emotion regulation, hopefully people will start to take dreams seriously as a priority for mental health and well-being."

From Science Daily

Rather, cooking is an expression of creativity and even a competitive sport.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some are content to produce quality products "but never exercise creativity", he said.

From Barron's