What is imaginative? Pronunciation and usage in English

imaginative means . Learn how to pronounce and use imaginative through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of imaginative

imaginativeadjective

/ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv//ɪˈmædʒɪnətɪv/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "imaginative" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here’s a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is broken down into three syllables:

  • im-
  • ag-
  • in-a-tive

2. Pronunciation of Each Syllable:

  • im: Pronounced like “im” as in “import” - a short, quick “uh” sound.
  • ag: Pronounced like “ag” as in “again” – a short, sharp “uh” sound.
  • in: Pronounced like “in” as in “tin” - a simple “in” sound.
  • a: Pronounced like “uh” – a short, neutral vowel.
  • tive: This is the trickiest part! It’s pronounced like “tih-vee” (with a slight emphasis on the "tih"). Think of it almost like saying "tee-vee" but with a little “ih” sound before the “vee”.

3. Putting it Together:

Putting it all together, it sounds something like this:

im-ag-in-tih-vee

Tips for Accuracy:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the third syllable: "tih".
  • Don't over-elongate: Don’t draw out each syllable too much. It should flow together smoothly.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly. Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a more detailed breakdown of any specific part you're struggling with?

Usage and examples with the word imaginative in English

Let's break down how to use the word "imaginative" effectively in English. It's a really useful word with a specific meaning!

1. Core Meaning:

  • Imaginative means having or showing creativity or inventiveness. It describes someone or something that can think of new and unusual ideas. It's about the ability to create mental images, concepts, and stories.

2. How to Use It – Different Ways:

  • Describing People: This is the most common use.

    • “She’s a very imaginative child.” (She comes up with wonderfully creative games and stories.)
    • “He’s an imaginative artist.” (His artwork is original and conceptual.)
    • “The detective was an imaginative thinker, able to solve cases with unusual solutions.” (He was clever and resourceful in his thinking.)
    • “I find her imaginative perspective refreshing.” (Her ideas are novel and interesting.)

  • Describing Ideas/Concepts:

    • “The film had an imaginative plot.” (The storyline was inventive and surprising.)
    • “He came up with an imaginative solution to the problem.” (His idea was creative and showed cleverness.)
    • “They used an imaginative approach to marketing.” (Their marketing was creative and innovative.)

  • Describing Things (Less Common, but Possible):

    • “The toy store is full of imaginative toys.” (The toys encourage children to use their imaginations - they're not just simple toys.)
    • “The set design was imaginative and transported us to another world.” (The set was creative and visually striking)

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Creative
  • Inventive
  • Original
  • Innovative
  • Resourceful
  • Visionary
  • Conceptual

4. Phrases Using “Imaginative”:

  • Imaginative play: (Playing games that involve make-believe and creativity)
  • An imaginative mind: (Someone who is highly creative and inventive)
  • To exercise your imagination: (To actively use your creativity)
  • Imaginative thinking: (Thinking creatively and in a novel way)

5. Important Nuances:

  • Not the same as “fantasy”: “Imaginative” refers to the ability to create, while “fantasy” is often a genre of fiction. You can be imaginative without writing fantasy stories.
  • Positive Connotation: “Imaginative” is almost always a positive adjective. It suggests something good and worthwhile.

Example Sentences Combining the Uses:

  • “The children engaged in an imaginative game of pirates, building a ship out of cardboard boxes.” (Describing a type of play)
  • “Her imaginative design for the building won the architectural award.” (Describing a design)
  • “He's an imaginative writer who creates compelling characters and worlds.” (Describing a person)

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say that you want to use the word "imaginative" in? (e.g., a description of a character, an explanation of an idea, etc.)

Synonyms for the word imaginative

Practice with vocabulary imaginative

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The advertising team's campaign proposal was so ____ that it immediately captured the client's attention and secured the deal.
  2. Despite the tight budget, the project manager found a truly ____ way to allocate resources and complete the task on time.
  3. For a groundbreaking architectural design, clients often seek an architect with a truly ____ vision, capable of envisioning structures that defy convention.
  4. The company's new product launch was deemed highly ____ by industry experts due to its revolutionary technology and market disruption.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following describes a person who consistently generates novel and original ideas? a) Analytical b) Practical c) Imaginative d) Conscientious

  2. To foster a culture of creativity in the workplace, it is crucial to encourage employees to be: a) Compliant b) Imaginative c) Conventional d) Inventive

  3. The marketing team needs to develop a truly ____ strategy to stand out in a saturated market. a) mundane b) predictable c) conventional d) original e) imaginative

  4. Despite facing significant technical challenges, the engineering team came up with a remarkably ____ solution that optimized performance with existing components. a) standard b) straightforward c) ingenious d) conventional

  5. When evaluating the feasibility of a large-scale project, it is essential to maintain a ____ perspective, considering both risks and potential rewards. a) visionary b) realistic c) utopian d) fanciful

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Her capacity for developing new and creative concepts is highly valued in the design department. Rewrite using "imaginative" or a related word form.

  2. Original: The architect's proposal, full of groundbreaking ideas for sustainable urban living, won the prestigious award. Rewrite using "imaginative" or a related word form.

  3. Original: Despite the limited budget, the team found a very clever way to repurpose old materials for the exhibition display. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "imaginative").

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. imaginative
  2. resourceful
  3. imaginative
  4. innovative

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Imaginative
  2. b) Imaginative, d) Inventive
  3. d) original, e) imaginative
  4. c) ingenious
  5. b) realistic

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her imagination is highly valued in the design department.
  2. The architect's imaginative proposal for sustainable urban living won the prestigious award.
  3. Despite the limited budget, the team found an ingenious way to repurpose old materials for the exhibition display.

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