What does innovatory mean?
Innovatory means tending to innovate, especially by introducing new ideas, methods, technologies, or approaches. The adjective can describe a person, organization, programme, or creative process, although it most often occurs before words such as “approach” and “techniques.” Its meaning closely resembles that of “innovative,” but “innovatory” is now a comparatively rare and formal alternative. When used, it may suggest deliberate experimentation or a willingness to depart from established practice. The word can carry a mildly critical implication if a supposedly novel approach is viewed as impractical, pretentious, or merely fashionable, though that interpretation is contextual rather than inherent in the word itself. For general modern usage, “innovative” is usually preferable because it is more familiar and immediately understood.
adjectiveTending to introduce new ideas, methods, or approaches; innovative. The word is now less common than the more familiar adjective “innovative.”
- Tending to innovate or to introduce new ideas, methods, or approaches.
"The school adopted an innovatory approach to teaching mathematics through problem-solving."
"The innovatory programme helps small businesses develop commercially viable ideas."
"Her innovatory use of recycled materials challenged conventional expectations of textile design."
“Innovatory” sounds like an old-fashioned relative of “innovative”—and modern dictionaries rarely use it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does innovatory come from?
“Innovatory” was formed in the 19th century from “innovate” and the suffix “-atory,” meaning “characterized by” or “tending to” the action expressed by the verb. “Innovate” comes through French from Latin innovare, a compound of the prefix in- and novus, meaning “new.” The same Latin root also underlies “innovation,” “innovative,” “innovator,” and “novelty.”
How innovatory is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon word in contemporary English. In most contexts, “innovative” is clearer and more natural.
Easily confused with innovatory
Both mean involving or encouraging new ideas, but “innovative” is the standard contemporary term, whereas “innovatory” is comparatively rare and formal.