originality

[uh-rij-uh-nal-i-tee]

noun

1. the quality or state of being original.

   Synonyms: ingenuity, inventiveness, creativeness, cleverness

2. ability to think or express oneself in an independent and individual manner; creative ability.

3. freshness or novelty, as of an idea, method, or performance.

   Synonyms: creativeness, cleverness, ingenuity, inventiveness

originality

/ əˌrɪdʒɪˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality or condition of being original

2. the ability to create or innovate

3. something original

Other Word Forms

• unoriginality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of originality¹

From the French word originalité, dating back to 1735–45. See original, -ity

Example Sentences

Afghanistan’s internecine bloodshed has an epiphanic effect on the author: “When death stalks every door,” she writes in a burst of originality, “the only antidote is to live.”

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Because she has a large family to shop for, she focuses on finding gently-used gifts that offer both quality and originality, knowing her relatives value the thoughtful strategy.

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His many flaws are redeemed by his own awareness of them, as well as by the brilliance and originality of his thought.

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Despite skepticism about its originality, fans say Cane’s Sauce has flavors that are legitimately distinct from other famed sauces.

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But Miranda’s brilliance and originality — and, yes, genius — as a composer and lyricist are hard to deny.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boldness 
• brilliance 
• cleverness www.thesaurus.com
• daring 
• freshness www.thesaurus.com
• imagination 
• individuality 
• ingenuity 
• innovation 
• inventiveness www.thesaurus.com
• resourcefulness www.thesaurus.com
• spirit