originality

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

noun

1. the quality or state of being original.

   Synonyms: inventiveness, creativeness, cleverness, ingenuity

2. ability to think or express oneself in an independent and individual manner; creative ability.
3. freshness or novelty, as of an idea, method, or performance.

   Synonyms: creativeness, cleverness, inventiveness, ingenuity

originality

/ əˌrɪdʒɪˈnælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality or condition of being original
2. the ability to create or innovate
3. something original

Other Words From

• uno·rigi·nali·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of originality¹

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

Example Sentences

I am not going to win any points for originality by recommending this as a comfort watch.

From Los Angeles Times

But originality isn’t the point; far from it.

From Los Angeles Times

The Australian film director said he had worked with a "very talented design team" to create the film's visuals in a response to someone querying their own originality in a comment on an Instagram post.

From BBC

The lyricist renowned for his long partnership with Elton John admires the siblings’ “winning combination of originality and classic songwriting” and says they’ve left “undeniably unique fingerprints on their own generation.”

From Los Angeles Times

Each came through town recently with a highly personal and revealing recital program of intense intimacy and theatrical originality, boldly proclaiming a new generation’s profound rebirth of the medium.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boldness
• brilliance
• cleverness
• daring
• freshness
• imagination
• individuality
• ingenuity
• innovation
• inventiveness
• resourcefulness
• spirit