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

San Francisco’s openness, creativity and diversity, and its dogged insistence on trying to build a society that takes care of more than just the winners, are its very strengths.

From Salon

Both Lau and Gao, while bracing for a tumultuous year, remind us that 1966 was also a breakthrough year for music and creativity.

From Los Angeles Times

Sev had always impressed me with his creativity and relentless work ethic.

From Los Angeles Times

“You need fire and you need a chalice. To me, that fire is my creativity. It’s my birthright to create. And that chalice is the community that holds me.”

From Los Angeles Times

Regis Le Bris' side showed why they sit eighth with a dogged first-half showing that left the Arsenal crowd again bemoaning a lack of creativity from open play.

From Barron's