adj
imaginative
ih-MAD-zhih-nuh-tihv
adj
1
Showing creativity or a strong ability to invent new ideas.
"The chef came up with an imaginative new dessert."
"Her imaginative solution saved the company thousands of dollars."
How to Use Imaginative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCreative, inventive — good at coming up with original ideas.
Common mistake
Don't mix up with "imaginary" (not real) — "imaginative" describes a creative mind or approach, not something fictional.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
more imaginative comparative, most imaginative superlative
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The chef came up with an _____ new dessert.
Etymology
From Middle French imaginatif, from Medieval Latin imaginativus, built on "imagine" plus "-ative."