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

Derived Forms

• imˈaginativeness, noun
• imˈaginatively, adverb

Other Words From

• i·magi·na·tive·ly adverb
• i·magi·na·tive·ness noun
• over·im·agi·na·tive adjective
• over·im·agi·na·tive·ly adverb
• over·im·agi·na·tive·ness noun
• unim·agi·na·tive adjective
• unim·agi·na·tive·ly 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

Mr Gilliver plays around with imaginative scenarios using small figurines.

From BBC

Musicals — good ones, imaginative ones, like “Emilia Pérez” — have a way of rocketing underappreciated talents into the stratosphere and, in a sequence like the hard-edged, dazzlingly choreographed “El Mal” number, in which she slices a scorn-filled path across a gala benefit of rich hypocrites, it’s easy to believe Saldaña could be the most versatile screen actor around.

From Los Angeles Times

On his website, Bal described himself as a designer who "combines the right mix of history, folklore, village craft, and dying arts to create imaginative and innovative masterpieces for catwalks and fashion talks".

From BBC

When Kaphar, aided by cinematographer Lachlan Milne’s delicate blend of warmth and cool, adds an imaginative touch, as when Tarell has visions of his boyhood self as a sorrowful presence alongside his paintings, the moment clicks with soulful recognition instead of feeling analytically indulgent.

From Los Angeles Times

"I would have given the job to Carsley. I have seen enough to suggest the players really trust him, that he's imaginative enough to produce something that is a joy to watch - entertaining front-footed football."

From BBC

Related Words

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