innovate
IN-uh-vayt
/ˈɪn.ə.veɪt/
To introduce something new; to make changes in anything established.
Focuses on the introduction of a new idea or method rather than just improving an old one.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'novus', meaning new. It entered English in the 16th century, originally meaning to bring in new spiritual or political ideas, often with a suspicious connotation of 'meddling' before it became a positive term for progress.
Word relationships
- originate: Originate implies being the very first source, while innovate often means applying a new idea to a process.
- replicate: Replicate means to copy exactly, whereas innovate means to change or create.
Commonly confused with
- invent: Inventing is creating a new product; innovating is often about changing the way things are done.
Word family
- innovation (noun): The act or process of innovating.
- innovative (adjective): Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
Collocations
- innovate constantly
- innovate technologically
- fail to innovate
Idioms & expressions
- break new ground
- think outside the box
Example sentences
- "To survive in this market, we must innovate or we will be left behind by more creative competitors." Business strategy
- "The company continued to innovate, introducing the first practical handheld cellular phone." Historical context
Memory hook
Think of 'In-Nova'—putting a 'Nova' (a bright new star) into your work. New (novus) ideas inside (in).
When not to use
Do not use for simple repairs or maintenance; it implies a creative leap.
Fun facts
- In the 1600s, 'innovator' was often used as an insult for someone who tried to change the church.
Explore more words
innovation, revolutionize, invention, pioneer, disrupt, reform
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.