Novelty: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to something unique or new that grabs attention because it hasn't been seen before. It often implies an element of surprise or excitement.

• The novelty of the new game attracted a lot of players.
• She enjoys the novelty of experiencing different cultures while traveling.

Used to describe something that is distinctive and not derived from something else. It highlights creativity and uniqueness, often in artistic or intellectual works.

• Her paintings are celebrated for their originality and emotional depth.
• The author's originality set his novels apart from others in the genre.

Appropriate when talking about the implementation of new ideas, methods, or products, especially in technology, business, or industry. It implies a degree of improvement or advancement.

• The company's latest innovation in renewable energy technology is groundbreaking.
• Innovation is crucial for staying competitive in the modern market.

Typically used to describe something that is new and invigorating, often in the context of ideas, food, or air. It conveys a sense of purity and vitality.

• The freshness of the morning air was invigorating.
• The chef's recipes are praised for their freshness and creativity.

This word is often used to describe something that is new, unique, or original, particularly in entertainment, products, or experiences. It can sometimes have a slight connotation of frivolity.

• The latest gadget is a novelty that everyone wants to try
• The novelty of the new restaurant quickly wore off

This is best used to describe new ideas, methods, or devices that bring improvement or solve problems, particularly in technology and business.

• The company's latest innovation has revolutionized the industry
• Innovation is key to staying competitive in today's market

Curiosity is the desire to learn or know about something. It can also refer to something unusual or interesting that arouses this feeling.

• Her curiosity led her to explore the old house
• The strange object was a curiosity that fascinated the children

Oddity refers to something that is strange, unusual, or out of the ordinary. It often carries a sense of peculiarity and can have a negative or neutral connotation depending on the context.

• The museum was filled with oddities from around the world
• His behavior was considered an oddity by his peers

This word is best used to describe something new, unique, or unusual. It often refers to items that are interesting because of their distinct characteristics or innovation.

• The store sells various novelties, including quirky gadgets and unique toys.
• The novelty of the new smartphone wore off quickly.

A souvenir is an item bought or brought back from a place visited, serving as a reminder of that place. It is commonly associated with travel and tourism.

• She bought a souvenir from every country she visited.
• The shop was filled with typical tourist souvenirs like keychains and postcards.

A keepsake is typically a small item kept in memory of a person, event, or place. It carries sentimental value and is often cherished for the personal memories it represents.

• She kept the locket as a keepsake from her grandmother.
• He gave her a small keepsake to remember their trip together.

A memento similarly refers to an object kept as a reminder of someone or something. It often emphasizes the idea of remembrance and can be used interchangeably with keepsake but is less likely to be as personal.

• They brought back a small memento from their vacation to Paris.
• The ticket stub was a memento of their first concert together.