adjective

inventive

in-VEN-tiv/ɪnˈventɪv/

Skilled at thinking of new ideas or making new things.

The inventive planter uses a recycled bottle and wick to supply water.

Creative recycled-bottle wick planter solution.

Etymology

inLatinin, upon

+ventLatinto come

+iveOld Frenchhaving a tendency or capacity

“Coming upon” something developed into finding out or devising it. Inventive describes skill in that devising: the ability to produce original ideas or solutions.

In context

Our World5:18

snails have hard shells which the mongooses can't crack in their jaws but they have found another way of evicting the edible tenant inventive tool users the mongooses will even take their prize to specific smashing sites

Mongoose: The Story Of An Unlikely Predator | Our World

More examples

The chef finds inventive ways to use leftover vegetables.
Her inventive mind keeps the team supplied with fresh ideas.
Their latest game is more inventive than the first.

Forms

inventive · more inventive · most inventive

invent verb — Create something new through original thought.

inventiveness noun — Ability to think of original ideas.

Similar words

creative: Often emphasizes artistic expression rather than devising practical things.
resourceful: Emphasizes solving practical problems with whatever is available.
ingenious: Suggests especially clever and effective ideas, solutions, or designs.