ingenuity

pronunciation

How to pronounce ingenuity in British English: UK [ˌɪndʒəˈnjuːəti] word uk audio image

How to pronounce ingenuity in American English: US [ˌɪndʒəˈnuːəti] word us audio image

Noun:

the power of creative imagination
the property of being ingenious

Word Origin

ingenuity (n.): 1590s, "honor, nobility," from Middle French ingénuité and directly from Latin ingenuitatem (nominative ingenuitas) "condition of a free-born man," figuratively "generosity, noble-mindedness," from ingenuus (see ingenuous). Etymologically, this word belongs to ingenuous, but in 17c. ingenious and ingenuous so often were confused (even by Shakespeare) that ingenuity has acquired the meaning "capacity for invention or construction" (first attested 1640s).

Synonym

n.

inspiration resourcefulness imaginativeness imagination inventiveness originality creativeness creativity ingeniousness

n.

design attainment original trick inspiration creation feat accomplishment invention

n.

endowment felicity knack skilfulness forte proficiency flair skill handiness readiness adeptness sleight gift talent deftness dexterousness adroitness genius faculty dexterity facility giftedness

n.

smartness slyness brilliance wiliness keenness cleverness craftiness aptness shrewdness canniness sagaciousness intelligence subtleness brightness cuteness cunning wittiness genius sagacity foxiness acuteness

Example

1. For their part , outsiders showed patience and ingenuity .

2. The result is a rousing display of ingenuity .

3. The sheer ingenuity of some of these ideas is impressive .

4. Much will depend on the ingenuity of mediators .

5. All of which can , no doubt , be done if enough money and ingenuity are applied to the project .

more: >How to Use "ingenuity" with Example Sentences