What does originality mean?
Originality names the quality of creating or presenting something new, distinctive, and independently conceived. It is especially associated with literature, art, design, music, scholarship, and inventive thought, where it suggests more than simple novelty: an approach or perception that departs from established conventions while remaining coherent and effective. In everyday criticism, the word usually has a positive connotation, praising inventive freedom and freshness, but it can also be used analytically to identify a feature that distinguishes one work, idea, or method from others. Originality is generally treated as an uncountable quality rather than as a countable object, and phrases such as “great originality” and “lack of originality” are common. The word is related etymologically to “original” and “origin,” reflecting the underlying idea of beginning, creation, and first form. Its history offers a compact example of English converting an adjective into an abstract noun in order to name a valued intellectual and creative quality.
nounThe quality of being original: creative, novel, or distinct from existing ideas, works, or expressions. It denotes inventive freshness rather than mere novelty.
- The quality of being creative, innovative, or different from existing ideas, works, or expressions.
- The quality of being novel or fresh in conception and expression.
"The design studio is known for its originality and its ability to turn unfamiliar ideas into memorable experiences."
"Her originality is most evident in the way she combines traditional techniques with unexpected materials."
"The report credits the research team with the originality of its approach while acknowledging the groundwork established by earlier studies."
"What distinguishes the novel is not its plot alone, but the originality with which it presents familiar conflicts."
Rare in modern usage, but available when separate acts, features, or instances of originality are being counted.
"The curator discussed the originalities of each artist's early work."
Originality entered English in the early 17th century by turning “original” into an abstract noun—creativity given its own name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does originality come from?
Originality was formed in English in the early 17th century from “original” and the noun-forming suffix “-ity.” The adjective “original” derives from Latin originalis, meaning “existing from the beginning,” which in turn comes from origo, a source or beginning. Related English words including “origin” and “originate” continue this Latin history and preserve the shared sense of starting point, derivation, and creative beginning.
How originality is actually used
Originality is usually an uncountable abstract noun and is commonly used with adjectives such as “great,” “considerable,” and “limited.” It usually carries a positive connotation when describing creative work, although it can more neutrally indicate that an idea, method, or treatment differs from earlier ones.