innovative
/ˈɪn.ə.və.tɪv/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Using new ideas or methods in a clever and useful way. An innovative person, product, or plan is not just new; it also improves something.
- They launched an innovative payment app.
- Her teaching method is very innovative.
- We need innovative ways to save water.
Adinary Nuance
Innovative is stronger than simply new. A new idea may only be recent, while an innovative idea is fresh and useful. It is close to creative and original, but it often suggests practical value too. In business and academic writing, it sounds positive and professional.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sáng tạo
- Spanish
- innovador
- Chinese
- 创新的
- Japanese
- 革新的な
- Korean
- 혁신적인
Etymology
Innovative comes from Latin innovare, meaning “renew” or “make new.” It entered English in the early 19th century through the idea of creating fresh methods or ideas.
Common phrases
innovative solutioninnovative ideainnovative approachinnovative technology
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is innovative the same as new?
- Not exactly. New means recently made or found. Innovative means new and useful, with a smart idea behind it.
- Is innovative formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal. People often use it in business, school, and technology writing.
- What is the difference between innovative and creative?
- Creative means able to make original ideas. Innovative usually means using those ideas in a useful way.
- How do I use innovative in a sentence?
- Use it before a noun: “an innovative plan” or “innovative software.”