In a manner that involves imagination and original thinking to produce something new or innovative. Done with artistic or inventive skill.
From Latin creare meaning 'to make or produce,' through the adjective creative (first recorded in 1670s) plus the adverbial suffix -ly. The concept of creativity as valued individual expression emerged during the Renaissance and flourished in the Romantic period.
The modern emphasis on thinking 'creatively' reflects a relatively recent cultural shift - before the 18th century, innovation was often viewed with suspicion, and following established traditions was preferred. Today's creative economy has made this adverb central to fields from business to education.
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