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Brainstorming: meaning, definitions and examples

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brainstorming

 

[ˈbreɪnstɔːmɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

creative process

Brainstorming is a group creativity technique that involves generating a large number of ideas or solutions to a problem. It encourages participants to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.

Synonyms

creative thinking, idea generation, ideation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brainstorming

Used when people come together to discuss and generate ideas freely and spontaneously, often in a group setting.

  • The team spent the afternoon brainstorming new marketing strategies.
  • We need to do some brainstorming to solve this problem.
ideation

A more formal or technical term for the process of forming ideas or concepts, often used in business or design thinking contexts.

  • The workshop focused on ideation and design prototyping.
  • Successful ideation sessions can lead to innovative product concepts.
creative thinking

Refers to the process of thinking outside the box and coming up with novel and innovative ideas, often on an individual basis or in a less structured setting.

  • Her creative thinking led to an innovative solution to the technical issue.
  • Creative thinking can help you find new ways to approach challenges.
idea generation

A broad term that encompasses any method used to come up with ideas, whether through individual effort or group activities.

  • Idea generation is a crucial part of the product development process.
  • There are several techniques for idea generation that can help improve your creative output.

Examples of usage

  • During the brainstorming session, we came up with several creative ideas for our new marketing campaign.
  • One key rule of brainstorming is to withhold criticism and judgment during the idea generation phase.
Context #2 | Noun

meeting

Brainstorming can also refer to a meeting or session in which people generate ideas together. It is often used in business settings to solve problems or develop new strategies.

Synonyms

idea session, thought shower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brainstorming

Typically used in professional or academic settings when generating creative ideas or solving problems in a collaborative environment. The term suggests an active and dynamic exchange of concepts.

  • The team scheduled a brainstorming session to come up with new marketing strategies.
  • We're having a brainstorming meeting to develop potential solutions for the project.
idea session

A formal or structured context for generating ideas, often used in professional environments. It indicates a planned meeting focused specifically on idea generation.

  • We'll have an idea session tomorrow to explore new product lines.
  • The manager asked everyone to prepare for an idea session next week.
thought shower

Previously used as an alternative to 'brainstorming', but it’s considered outdated and less common. May sound less intense and is usually informal. Can be associated with trying to avoid potentially insensitive connotations.

  • Let's have a thought shower to come up with some marketing ideas.
  • During the thought shower, everyone shared their views openly.

Examples of usage

  • The team held a brainstorming session to come up with a name for the new product.
  • Brainstorming meetings can be a great way to boost creativity and collaboration in the workplace.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'brainstorm' first appeared in the early 20th century, initially describing a 'violent distress' of the mind.
  • It was popularized in the 1950s by advertising executive Alex Osborn, who sought to improve creative collaboration.

Education

  • Using brainstorming in classrooms can significantly enhance students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Techniques like mind mapping and group discussions during brainstorming sessions help engage all participants.

Business

  • Many successful companies, like Google and Apple, incorporate structured brainstorming sessions to spur innovation.
  • In corporate settings, brainstorming can lead to breakthrough ideas that drive new product development or marketing strategies.

Psychology

  • Brainstorming taps into the brain's natural creativity, allowing for the free flow of ideas without immediate judgment.
  • Studies suggest that group brainstorming can often yield more creative ideas than working alone, due to diverse perspectives.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of brainstorming has been featured in various TV shows and films, depicting teams coming together to solve challenges.
  • It is a popular theme in creativity workshops and self-help books looking to enhance individual and collective creativity.

Translations

Translations of the word "brainstorming" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brainstorming

🇮🇳 विचार-मंथन

🇩🇪 Brainstorming

🇮🇩 brainstorming

🇺🇦 мозковий штурм

🇵🇱 burza mózgów

🇯🇵 ブレインストーミング (bureinsutōmingu)

🇫🇷 brainstorming

🇪🇸 lluvia de ideas

🇹🇷 beyin fırtınası

🇰🇷 브레인스토밍 (beureinseutoming)

🇸🇦 عصف ذهني

🇨🇿 brainstorming

🇸🇰 brainstorming

🇨🇳 头脑风暴 (tóunǎo fēngbào)

🇸🇮 možganska nevihta

🇮🇸 heilaþeyting

🇰🇿 миға шабуыл

🇬🇪 ტვინის შტურმი (tvinis shturmi)

🇦🇿 beyin fırtınası

🇲🇽 lluvia de ideas

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,859, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.