Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Introducing or using new ideas, methods, or things; original and creative in thinking: Describes something that is novel and represents a departure from established ways of doing things.
   • Ahead of the times; advanced: Describes something that is progressive and more developed than what is typical or standard.

Usage and Examples

• As an adjective:
  • The company is known for its innovative approach to product design.
  • She proposed an innovative solution to the old problem.
  • This innovative teaching method has improved student engagement significantly.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "To be innovative": This phrase describes the inherent quality of a person, organization, or thing to create or adopt new ideas.
  • For a startup to succeed, it needs to be innovative.
• "Innovative thinking": A compound noun phrase referring to the process or ability to think in new and creative ways.
  • The workshop encourages innovative thinking among employees.

Variants and Related Words

• Innovate (verb): To make changes by introducing new methods, ideas, or products.
  • The team continues to innovate in the field of renewable energy.
• Innovation (noun): The act or process of introducing new ideas, devices, or methods; a new method, idea, or product.
  • Technological innovation drives economic growth.
• Innovator (noun): A person who introduces new methods, ideas, or products.
  • He is a true innovator in the music industry.

Synonyms

• Original: Present or existing from the beginning; not a copy; fresh and unusual.
• Creative: Having good imagination or original ideas.
• Groundbreaking: Innovative; introducing new ideas or methods.
• Pioneering: Involving new ideas or methods; leading the way.

Antonyms

• Conventional: Based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed.
• Traditional: Existing in or as part of a tradition; long-established.
• Outdated: Out of date; obsolete.
• Imitative: Copying or following a model or example.

Common Collocations and Phrases

• Innovative technology: Technology that is new and advanced.
  • The conference showcased the latest innovative technology.
• Highly innovative: An intensifier describing something as very original and creative.
  • The research was highly innovative and won several awards.
• Innovative spirit: The attitude or desire to create new things.
  • The company culture fosters an innovative spirit.

Adjective

1. being or producing something like nothing done or experienced or created before
   • stylistically innovative works
   • innovative members of the artistic community
   • a mind so innovational, so original
2. ahead of the times
   • the advanced teaching methods
   • had advanced views on the subject
   • a forward-looking corporation
   • is British industry innovative enough?