English Reference

Word

creative

Phoneticscre·ative

US/kɹiˈeɪtɪv/

UK/kɹiːˈeɪtɪv/

Definitions

01imaginative and original

A2 · Elementary

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

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

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

“The architect's creative approach to urban planning transformed the derelict industrial site into a vibrant community hub.”

Antonyms

unimaginativeunoriginal

02dishonest or misleading

B2 · Upper Intermediate Humorous

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

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

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

“The legal team was forced to find a creative interpretation of the contract to avoid a costly settlement.”

03a person in marketing

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical

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

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

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

“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.

Synonyms

04advertising material

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Computing Technical

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

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

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

“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.

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “creative” in context.

01. creative writing 02. creative procedure 03. creative process 04. creative work

Etymology

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

creative(A2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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