originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌri-jə-ˈna-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being original

2

: freshness of aspect, design, or style

3

: the power of independent thought or constructive imagination

Synonyms

• freshness
• newness
• novelty

Examples of originality in a Sentence

Critics have praised the movie's startling originality.

I was amazed by the originality of her ideas.

Recent Examples on the Web

These criticisms are grounded in a deeply ingrained belief that originality is the definitive criterion for assessing creative value. —Charlie Engman, ARTnews.com, 20 Sep. 2024

Even if your business isn't producing the next great American novel, originality matters. —Jennifer Jay Palumbo, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

Orizzonti is a competitive section of the festival that solely focuses on new trends in global cinema, especially in the area of innovation and originality. —Allyson Portee, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Sep. 2024

It’s hemmed in by a lack of originality from major studios, supersaturation in the streaming age, endless side effects brought on by social media, the American bias still skewing the international market, and plenty more. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌrij-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being original : freshness

the originality of an idea

2

: the power or ability to think, act, or do something in new ways : creativity

an artist of great originality

Legal Definition

originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty

: the quality or fact of being the product of individual creation that warrants copyright protection for a particular work regardless of novelty