imaginative

[ih-maj-uh-nuh-tiv, -ney-tiv]

adjective

1. characterized by or bearing evidence of imagination.

   an imaginative tale.

   Synonyms: ingenious, clever, inventive, creative

2. of, relating to, or concerned with imagination.

3. given to imagining, as persons.

4. having exceptional powers of imagination.

5. lacking truth; fanciful.

imaginative

/ ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv /

adjective

1. produced by or indicative of a vivid or creative imagination

   an imaginative story

2. having a vivid imagination

Other Word Forms

• imaginatively adverb
• imaginativeness noun
• overimaginative adjective
• overimaginatively adverb
• overimaginativeness noun
• unimaginative adjective
• unimaginatively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of imaginative¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin imāginātīvus imaginary, imaginative, equivalent to Latin imāgināt ( us ) imagined ( imagination ) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English imaginatif < Middle French < Medieval Latin, as above

Example Sentences

The Postal Tyger uniforms were included, as were some other imaginative outfits.

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Through the least imaginative means possible, it does so.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The program consisted of five short finales and looked, on paper, as the least imaginative gala in at least the last three decades.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"We remain firmly committed to ongoing dialogue as we take the necessary steps to enable us to deliver excellence and continue to be a bold, imaginative and world-leading university."

Read more on BBC

Are the lyrics imaginative or are the details too specific to brush off as fiction?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• artistic 
• extravagant 
• fanciful 
• fantastic 
• ingenious 
• offbeat 
• original 
• romantic 
• visionary 
• vivid 
• whimsical