ENGLISH
REFERENCE

creative

adj. · n.
US //kɹiˈeɪtɪv// UK //kɹiːˈeɪtɪv// cre·ative
  1. 1 imaginative and original (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    having or showing the ability to make new things or think of new ideas.

    characterised by originality of thought and the ability to produce innovative work.

    Example

    She is very creative and loves to spend her weekends painting and writing stories.

    Example

    The architect's creative approach to urban planning transformed the derelict industrial site into a vibrant community hub.
    • unimaginative
    • unoriginal
  2. 2 dishonest or misleading (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Humorous

    using clever but slightly dishonest ways to solve a problem or hide the truth.

    employing clever but often deceptive or unconventional methods to achieve a goal, frequently in financial or legal contexts.

    Example

    The company used some creative accounting to make their profits look much higher.

    Example

    The legal team was forced to find a creative interpretation of the contract to avoid a costly settlement.
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  1. 3 a person in marketing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    a person whose job involves coming up with ideas for advertisements or designs.

    a professional worker, such as a copywriter or art director, involved in the production of advertising or marketing materials.

    Example

    The agency hired two new creatives to work on the summer fashion campaign.

    Example

    The lead creative presented a series of bold concepts that challenged the client's traditional brand identity.

    Usage

    Often used as a collective noun in office environments.
  2. 4 advertising material (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the actual images, videos, or text used in an advertisement.

    the specific artistic assets, including copy and visual media, produced for a marketing campaign.

    Example

    We need to upload the new creative to the social media platform by noon.

    Example

    The digital marketing manager requested a refresh of the ad creative to improve the click-through rate for the autumn promotion.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable in this sense.
Origin

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

Word family

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