originality
English
Etymology
From French originalité. Surface etymology is original + -ity.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /əˌɹɪd͡ʒɪˈnælɪti/
Audio (US) (file)
Noun
originality (countable and uncountable, plural originalities)
- (uncountable) The quality of being original or novel.
- 1946 March and April, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, pages 105-106:
- The space at my disposal does not permit me to go into Mr. Bulleid's paper in detail, but it is impossible to refrain from an expression of admiration at the originality that has been packed into this outstanding design.
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- (uncountable) The capacity to think independently or be inventive.
- 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 132:
- Originality may be the capacity to look at the same facts and see new explanations.
- 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 132:
- (countable) Something original.
- 2021 December 15, Robin Leleux, “Awards honour the best restoration projects: The Railway Heritage Trust Conservation Award: Newcastle Central”, in RAIL, number 946, page 59:
- This houses a waiting room and gentlemen's toilets which, despite some new sanitary fittings in early BR days, fell out of use over 40 years ago, becoming dilapidated - and so remained as the only room on the station to retain its originality.
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Translations
the quality of being original or novel
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the capacity to think independently or be inventive
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something original
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.
Translations to be checked
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Further reading
- "originality" in Raymond Williams, Keywords (revised), 1983, Fontana Press, page 230.