Definitions for originality
əˌrɪdʒ əˈnæl ɪ tiorig·i·nal·i·ty

Princeton's WordNet(5.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. originalitynoun

   the ability to think and act independently

2. originalitynoun

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

GCIDE(3.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. Originalitynoun

   Ability to create new and original ideas, works of art, theories, etc.; ability to express oneself in an original manner; creativity; -- of people.

Wiktionary(4.00 / 1 vote)Rate this definition:

1. originalitynoun

   The quality of being original or novel.

2. originalitynoun

   The capacity to think independently or be inventive.

3. originalitynoun

   Something original.

Wikipedia(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Originality

   Originality is the aspect of created or invented works that distinguish them from reproductions, clones, forgeries, or substantially derivative works. The modern idea of originality is according to some scholars tied to Romanticism, by a notion that is often called romantic originality. The validity of "originality" as an operational concept has been questioned. For example, there is no clear boundary between "derivative" and "inspired by" or "in the tradition of." The concept of originality is both culturally and historically contingent. For example, unattributed reiteration of a published text in one culture might be considered plagiarism but in another culture might be regarded as a convention of veneration. At the time of Shakespeare, it was more common to appreciate the similarity with an admired classical work, and Shakespeare himself avoided "unnecessary invention". It wasn't until the start of the 18th century that the concept of originality became an ideal in Western culture.

Freebase(3.00 / 2 votes)Rate this definition:

1. Originality

   Originality is the aspect of created or invented works by as being new or novel, and thus can be distinguished from reproductions, clones, forgeries, or derivative works. An original work is one not received from others nor one copied based on the work of others. It is a work created with a unique style and substance. The term "originality" is often applied as a compliment to the creativity of artists, writers, and thinkers. The idea of originality as we know it was invented by Romanticism, with a notion that is often called romantic originality. The concept of originality is culturally contingent. It became an ideal in Western culture starting from the 18th century. In contrast, at the time of Shakespeare it was common to appreciate more the similarity with an admired classical work, and Shakespeare himself avoided "unnecessary invention".

Matched Categories

1. • Ability
   • Quality

How to pronounce originality?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say originality in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of originality in Chaldean Numerology is: 2

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of originality in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4

Examples of originality in a Sentence

1. Lana Wachowski:

   The summer is built around familiarity, many cultural critics who shape awareness for films are obsessed with sequels and derivative material. They wildly crave it. That kind of environment is hostile to originality. It only makes space for derivative material and rejects originality. I think Warner Bros. was uncomfortable with that environment.

2. Henry Louis Mencken:

   The aim of public education is not to spread enlightenment at all it is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed a standard citizenry, to put down dissent and originality.

3. Joseph Brodsky:

   The surest defense against Evil is extreme individualism, originality of thinking, whimsicality, even -- if you will -- eccentricity. That is, something that can't be feigned, faked, imitated; something even a seasoned imposter couldn't be happy with.

4. John Stuart Mill:

   All good things which exist are the fruits of originality.

5. Herman Melville:

   It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.

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