ENGLISH
REFERENCE

creative

adj.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //kɹiˈeɪtɪv// UK //kɹiːˈeɪtɪv// cre·ative General-service Humorous

adj. having the ability to make or think of new and interesting things. You use this to describe someone who is good at art, writing, or finding clever solutions to problems.

adj. possessing or displaying the power to create; characterised by originality of thought or expression. When used in a business context, it can imply a clever but potentially dishonest way of handling figures or rules.


SIMPLE

She is a very creative person who loves painting.

CONTEXTUAL

The marketing team needs a creative approach to attract younger customers to the brand.

COMPLEX

While the artist's technical skill was undeniable, it was her creative ability to synthesize disparate cultural motifs that truly distinguished her work from that of her contemporaries.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Late Latin creativus, from Latin creō. Equivalent to create + -ive. Displaced native Old English orþanclīċ.

Usage

Typically functions as an attributive adjective before a noun or a predicative adjective after a linking verb.

© 2026 English Reference