ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inventive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪnˈvɛntɪv// UK //ɪnvˈɛntɪv// in·ven·tive

adj. having the ability to create or design new and original things. You use this to describe someone who is good at finding clever solutions to problems.

adj. characterised by the ability to create or design original things; showing creativity and resourcefulness in thought or action.


SIMPLE

She is an inventive cook who never uses a recipe.

CONTEXTUAL

The engineer found an inventive way to fix the machine using only basic tools.

COMPLEX

Critics lauded the director's inventive use of lighting and sound, which transformed the small stage into a vast, haunting landscape without the need for expensive sets.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English inventif, inventyfe, borrowed from Old French inventif, borrowed from Medieval Latin inventivus. By surface analysis, invent + -ive.

Usage

Often used to modify nouns related to people, ideas, or solutions; can be used both before a noun and after linking verbs like 'be' or 'become'.

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