What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
creative
Example
She is a very creative person, always coming up with new ideas. [creative: adjective]
Example
The artist used her creative talents to design a beautiful painting. [creative: noun]
inventive
Example
The engineer was very inventive and came up with a new way to solve the problem. [inventive: adjective]
Example
The inventor used his inventive skills to develop a new product that revolutionized the industry. [inventive: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Creative is more commonly used than inventive in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is associated with a more positive connotation. However, inventive is more commonly used in technical fields and industries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between creative and inventive?
Both creative and inventive can be used in formal and informal contexts, but inventive may be more commonly used in technical or professional settings.