Novelty: meaning, definitions and examples

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novelty

[ˈnɒv.əl.ti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

new product design

The quality of being new and original, especially in an interesting way.

Synonyms

freshness, innovation, originality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
novelty	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.
originality	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.
innovation	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.
freshness	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.

Examples of usage

Her fashion designs are known for their novelty and creativity.
The company's success is due to their constant focus on novelty in their products.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

unusual or unexpected event

Something new, unusual, or different; an innovation or creation.

Synonyms

curiosity, innovation, oddity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
novelty	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
innovation	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	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	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

Examples of usage

The novelty of the situation caught everyone by surprise.
The novelty of the new technology quickly captured the public's attention.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

gift or souvenir

A small and inexpensive toy, ornament, or trinket.

Synonyms

keepsake, memento, souvenir.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
novelty	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.
souvenir	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.
keepsake	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.
memento	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.

Examples of usage

The store sells a variety of novelties and souvenirs for tourists.
She received a novelty keychain as a gift from her friend.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'novus', which means 'new', giving it a long history connected to things that are fresh and innovative.
It was first used in English in the 14th century, originally referring to newness in general.
By the 17th century, it started to refer specifically to new ideas or inventions.

Pop Culture

Novelty songs, often humorous or whimsical, became popular in the 1950s, with hits like 'The Chipmunk Song' bringing a playful twist to music.
Novelty toys are designed to be amusing or entertaining, such as whoopee cushions or rubber chickens, often found in gift shops.
TV shows often feature novelty episodes, drawing viewers in with unique themes or strange situations that stand out from regular plots.

Science

In psychology, novelty is linked to curiosity and learning, as new experiences can stimulate brain activity and improve memory.
Studies show that experiencing novelty can lead to increased dopamine levels, which enhance mood and motivation.
In the realm of evolutionary biology, the ability to recognize and respond to new stimuli has been crucial for survival.

Technology

The novelty of the first smartphones revolutionized communication, blending communication, internet browsing, and entertainment in a single device.
Emerging technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence are often described as 'novelty' technologies until they become mainstream.
Tech gadgets labeled as novelty items often serve as fun toys, such as USB gadgets that have playful functions like a mini vacuum or dancing robots.

Art

In the art world, novelty can drive trends; artists often experiment with new materials or styles to create fresh expressions.
Performance art pieces often emphasize novelty by breaking the fourth wall, inviting audience interaction to create a unique experience.
The Dada movement in the early 20th century embraced novelty by rejecting traditional aesthetics and promoting absurdism in art.

Translations

Translations of the word "novelty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 novidade

🇮🇳 नवीनता

🇩🇪 Neuheit

🇮🇩 kebaruan

🇺🇦 новизна

🇵🇱 nowość

🇯🇵 新しさ (atarashisa)

🇫🇷 nouveauté

🇪🇸 novedad

🇹🇷 yenilik

🇰🇷 새로움 (saeroum)

🇸🇦 جدة (jida)

🇨🇿 novinka

🇸🇰 novinka

🇨🇳 新奇 (xīnqí)

🇸🇮 novost

🇮🇸 nýjung

🇰🇿 жаңалық

🇬🇪 ახალობა (akhaloba)

🇦🇿 yenilik

🇲🇽 novedad

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,316 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8313 tablets
8314 cessation
8315 impurities
8316 novelty
8317 exhaustion
8318 insult
8319 signatures
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