innovate

[ in-uh-veyt ]

verb (used without object)

, in·no·vat·ed, in·no·vat·ing.

1. to introduce something new; make changes in anything established.

verb (used with object)

, in·no·vat·ed, in·no·vat·ing.

1. to introduce (something new) for or as if for the first time:

   to innovate a computer operating system.

2. Archaic. to alter.

innovate

/ ˈɪnəˌveɪt /

verb

1. to invent or begin to apply (methods, ideas, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˈinnoˌvator, noun
• innovative, adjective

Other Words From

• in·no·va·tor noun
• un·in·no·vat·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of innovate¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin innovātus, past participle of innovāre “to renew, alter,” equivalent to in- intensive prefix + novātus, past participle of novā(re) “to renew,” verbal derivative of novus “new” + -tus past participle suffix); in- ², new

Word History and Origins

Origin of innovate¹

C16: from Latin innovāre to renew, from in- ² + novāre to make new, from novus new

Related Words

• create
• devise
• establish
• experiment
• initiate
• introduce
• invent
• launch
• originate
• pioneer
• refine