Words / C1

IN-uh-vayt-iv/ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/

Innovative means using new ideas or methods: an innovative design, innovative teaching. Innovation (already in the dictionary) is the noun. Novel is new; groundbreaking (this batch) is stronger hype. Do not stamp innovative on a recolour of last year’s form.

Meaning

Introducing or using new ideas or methods.

Examples

• “The method was innovative; the write-up still needed an n.”
• “The sampling was innovative; the write-up still needed a plain n and a date.”
• “Innovation is the noun; an innovative method should still be replicable, not just new-looking.”

Good to know

New in a useful way. Noun: innovation. Stronger hype: groundbreaking. Everyday: new. Recolouring a form is not enough.

Near in meaning

new

New