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

Example Sentences

"Unlike in many non-human animals, where social learning is limited to a few skills, humans have developed complex mental and social structures that allow for the transmission of thousands of cultural traits. This has enabled us to innovate and adapt to various environments, from dense forests to arid deserts."

From Science Daily

"Studying the ancient roots of these genetic tools lets us innovate with a clearer view of how pluripotency mechanisms can be tweaked or optimised," Dr Jauch said, noting that advancements could arise from experimenting with synthetic versions of these genes that might perform even better than native animal genes in certain contexts.

From Science Daily

For those wanting to innovate, one of the problems Africa faces is the lack of data from the continent to dictate algorithms.

From BBC

As a leader in biomedical research, Duke-NUS combines basic scientific research with translational applications to innovate treatments approaches and diagnostic tools to advance health globally.

From Science Daily

He continued: “Today, I’m making a commitment: We’re getting back to Starbucks. We’re refocusing on what has always set Starbucks apart: a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather, and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas. This is our enduring identity. We will innovate from here.”

From Salon

Related Words

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