originalityo‧rig‧i‧nal‧i‧ty /əˌrɪdʒəˈnæləti/ noun [uncountable]

- She was a writer of astonishing imagination and originality.
- For Public Relations there must be two elements in the package, creativity and originality.
- I don't claim any great originality or depth, but it is the best I can do at the moment.
- John Peel has encouraged hundreds of musicians on his programmes with his attitude that puts creativity and originality above musicianship.
- Joseph's view of kingship had no particular originality.
- Nothing reveals the originality and spirit of a people better than this astonishing symbiosis.
- Recipes will be judged on originality and compatibility with the wine by a panel of chefs and Bay Area food mavens.
- So let the Review Board eat its words, when I win the annual all-industry award for originality.
verbs► have originality· This book does not have the originality and power of his first novel.
► show originality· His research shows originality and sustained effort.
► lack originality· The music lacks originality, but is fun and well-played.
adjectives► great originality· His work showed great originality.
► startling originality (=used about something so new and different that it surprises you)· We were amazed by the startling originality of his thinking.
► striking originality (=used about something so new and different that it makes you notice it)· Any visitor will admire the striking originality of the building's architecture.
► sheer originality (=when something is very original)· the sheer originality of his writing style
phrases► a spark of originality (=a small amount of originality)· The show at least has a spark of originality, something that most TV programs seem to lack.
ADJECTIVE► great· I don't claim any great originality or depth, but it is the best I can do at the moment.
VERB► show· Alan's solution showed unusual talent and originality.· Very often the examiner will have worded it in a particular way in order to enable you to show a little originality of treatment.· But there are positive memories too, notably of properties which showed a spark of originality.
nounoriginoriginaloriginalityoriginatoradjectiveoriginal ≠ unoriginalverboriginateadverboriginally