Creativity: meaning, definitions and examples

General use when referring to the ability to generate new ideas, solutions, or artistic expressions.

• Her creativity in painting always amazes me.
• The company's success is largely due to its culture of creativity.

Used when discussing the ability to form new images, sensations, or concepts in the mind that are not perceived through the senses.

• Children have such vivid imaginations.
• His imagination helped him come up with a fantastic story.

Refers to the ability to create new ideas or things, often involving problem-solving and practical applications.

• Her inventiveness in engineering led to several innovative products.
• The team's inventiveness was crucial to overcoming the technical challenges.

Emphasizes unique or novel quality of ideas, often in artistic or intellectual contexts.

• His originality in design set him apart from other architects.
• The originality of her writing style captivated many readers.

Used when referring to the ability to generate original and imaginative ideas in any field.

• Her creativity was evident in the unique designs she created for the fashion show.
• The child's creativity shone through in his colorful drawings.

Applies to cleverness and inventiveness, especially in solving problems or overcoming obstacles.

• His ingenuity helped him build a working model from scrap materials.
• The engineer's ingenuity led to the creation of an efficient new engine.

Refers to the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties, often with limited resources.

• Her resourcefulness was tested when she had to organize an event with a tight budget.
• Survivors of the disaster showed great resourcefulness in finding food and shelter.

Best used when talking about introducing something new, such as methods, ideas, or products, typically in a business or technological context.

• The company's innovation in developing eco-friendly products has set them apart from competitors.
• The tech industry is driven by constant innovation.

Use this when talking about the ability to come up with new and unique ideas or solutions; it is a general term that can apply to many fields like art, science, business, and more.

• Her creativity helped solve the problem
• Creativity is important for innovation

This is best used when referring to skill in creating art or beauty, often emphasizing technique and craftsmanship. It's commonly associated with visual and performing arts.

• His artistry with the paintbrush is mesmerizing
• The dancer's artistry captivated the audience

Use this when talking about the ability to form new ideas or concepts not present to the senses. It often relates to the mental visualization of scenarios, especially in creative writing or conversational context.

• Children's imagination knows no bounds
• Her imagination brings her stories to life

This is used to highlight the uniqueness and novelty of an idea or work. It often praises the fresh, inventive aspect of creativity.

• The originality of his designs set him apart
• Her originality made her project stand out