What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ingenious
Example
The engineer came up with an ingenious solution to fix the machine. [ingenious: adjective]
Example
She is an ingenious artist who creates beautiful sculptures from recycled materials. [ingenious: adjective]
Example
The company's new product is an ingenious way to solve a common problem. [ingenious: adjective]
original
Example
The painting is an original piece by a famous artist. [original: adjective]
Example
He has an original sense of humor that always makes me laugh. [original: adjective]
Example
The author's book is an original take on a classic story. [original: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Original is more commonly used than ingenious in everyday language. Original is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ingenious is less common and is often associated with science, engineering, and technology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ingenious and original?
Both ingenious and original can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, ingenious may be more commonly used in technical or professional settings, while original may be more commonly used in artistic or creative settings.