imaginative

UK: ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv | US: ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv

Definition

  1. adj. having or showing creativity or inventiveness

  2. adj. relating to the ability to form mental images or ideas

Structure
imagin <image/mental picture>ative <adjective suffix denoting tendency or capacity>
Etymology

The word "imaginative" derives from the Latin imaginari ("to picture mentally"), rooted in imago ("image"). The suffix -ative (from Latin -ativus) indicates a quality or tendency. Over time, "imaginative" evolved in Middle English to describe the capacity to create or conceptualize beyond the literal, reflecting both artistic and cognitive creativity.

Examples

  1. Her imaginative storytelling captivated the children.

  2. The architect’s imaginative designs won international acclaim.

  3. He solved the problem with an imaginative approach.

  4. The film’s imaginative visuals set a new standard for animation.

  5. Teachers encourage imaginative thinking in early education.