originality

/əˈrɪdʒəˌnælədi/

/ərɪdʒɪˈnæləti/

Other forms: originalities

Originality is the quality of being new and inventive. A composer who writes a symphony to be played by car horns and cell phones shows great originality.

When something is original, it is creative and not derived from something else. It's fresh. Originality refers to the quality of being original and new. Inventors are full of originality: they need to think of brand new ideas and products. A great artist is full of originality, especially when coming up with new and surprising types of art. If something is just like other things, it shows no originality. True originality is a rare thing.

Definitions of originality

1. noun

   the quality of being new and original (not derived from something else)
   antonyms:

   unoriginality

   the quality of being unoriginal

   types:

   freshness, novelty

   originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel

   heterodoxy, unorthodoxy

   the quality of being different from what is considered correct

   unconventionality

   unorthodoxy by virtue of being unconventional

   nonconformity

   unorthodoxy as a consequence of not conforming to expected standards or values

   type of:

   quality

   an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
2. noun

   the ability to think and act independently
   types:

   innovativeness

   originality by virtue of introducing new ideas

   unconventionality

   originality by virtue of being unconventional

   freshness, novelty

   originality by virtue of being new and surprising

   type of:

   ability, power

   possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done