originality

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

/ əˌrɪdʒ əˈnæl ɪ ti /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR originality ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the quality or state of being original.

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

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

Nearby words

origin story, original, original equipment manufacturer, original gum, original sin, originality, originally, originate, origination, origination fee, originative

Origin of originality

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

SYNONYMS FOR originality

1, 3 inventiveness, ingenuity, cleverness, creativeness.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR originality ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsun·o·rig·i·nal·i·ty, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for originality

Yet an answer, or even a speculation, would have added insight and originality to this terrific but risk-averse debut.
Ted Thompson’s Debut Novel Features A 1 Percenter As Its Hero|Stefan Beck|May 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This adds only more fuel to the accusation that originality and risk on Broadway have virtually disappeared.
Is Broadway Being Destroyed by Hollywood?|Michele Willens|March 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
No one said Washington scored high on the originality scale.
Calling BS on the Surge in Cursing by Beltway Politicians|Lauren Ashburn|February 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In the event of a tie, tied Video Entries will be re-judged based solely on: Film Technique (1/2) and Originality (1/2).
OFFICIAL RULES OF THE IMAX® Award Contest—Deadline Extended||October 8, 2012|DAILY BEAST

If they were secretaries, take away 15 for lack of originality.
The Cain Sexual-Harassment Game|Michael Tomasky|November 2, 2011|DAILY BEAST
In extenuation of this summary attempt I hasten to explain that its chief merit is its lack of originality.
In Morocco|Edith Wharton
He remarked, with his usual brilliancy and originality, that he was very glad her ladyship was better.
The Virginians|William Makepeace Thackeray
In the course of it, an incident occurred which strikingly illustrates the boldness and originality of Alexander's character.
Alexander the Great|Jacob Abbott
Nevertheless, after pointing out these germs and resemblances, the value of this poem still is found in its originality.
The Raven|Edgar Allan Poe
Mr. Hammond had recognized the originality of the girl's ideas in the first part of the play.
Ruth Fielding in Moving Pictures|Alice Emerson

British Dictionary definitions for originality

originality

/ (əˌrɪdʒɪˈnælɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

the quality or condition of being original

the ability to create or innovate

something original

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for originality

originality

1742, from original (adj.) + -ity. Probably after French originalité (1690s).

originality

noun

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Origin of originality

Examples from the Web for originality

British Dictionary definitions for originality

originality

noun plural -ties

Word Origin and History for originality

originality