Words / B1

i-MAJ-in-uh-tiv/ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv/

Imaginative means good at thinking of new ideas: an imaginative timetable; imaginative use of sources. Creative is a close twin. Imaginary means not real — a common mix-up. Imagination is the noun. Revision: an imaginative timetable beats cramming.

Meaning

Good at thinking of new and interesting ideas.

Examples

• “An imaginative revision timetable beat last-minute cramming.”
• “The display was imaginative, not imaginary — it really stood in the atrium.”

Good to know

an imaginative plan / response / use of. Close: creative. Mix-up: imaginary (not real). Noun: imagination. Coursework displays.

Near in meaning

creative

New