What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
innovative
Example
The company's innovative approach to sustainability has earned them numerous awards. [innovative: adjective]
Example
She is an innovative thinker who always comes up with fresh ideas. [innovative: adjective]
original
Example
The artist's original painting sold for a record-breaking price at the auction. [original: adjective]
Example
Her novel is a true original that defies categorization. [original: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Innovative is more commonly used than original in everyday language, especially in the context of business and technology. Original is more specialized and tends to be used in the arts and humanities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between innovative and original?
Both innovative and original can be used in formal and informal contexts, but innovative is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, while original may sound more formal or literary.