# creatively

/kɹiˈeɪtɪvɫi/ (US) · /kɹiːˈeɪtɪvli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/creatively
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to do something in a way that uses new or original ideas. You use this when you solve a problem or make something by thinking differently.

For teachers: in a manner that involves the use of imagination or original ideas to create something new. Often describes the process of artistic production or innovative problem-solving.

## Examples

- She solved the difficult puzzle creatively.
- The marketing team worked creatively to design a campaign that would appeal to younger audiences on a limited budget.
- By applying existing technologies creatively to the problem of water filtration, the engineers developed a low-cost solution that could be manufactured using local materials.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He thinks very creative." but "He thinks very creatively." — Learners often use the adjective 'creative' where the adverb 'creatively' is required to modify a verb.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.