inventively

UK: /ɪnˈventɪvlɪ/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•ven•tive /ɪnˈvɛntɪv/   adj. 

1. skilled or apt at inventing, thinking up, or making something:
   She was very inventive, creating toys from any material at hand.
2. apt at creating with the imagination:
   an inventive storyteller.
3. relating to, involving, or showing invention;
   clever:
   an inventive excuse.

in•ven•tive•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•ven•tive  (in ven′tiv), adj. 

1. apt at inventing, devising, or contriving.
2. apt at creating with the imagination.
3. having the function of inventing.
4. pertaining to, involving, or showing invention.

• Middle French
• 1400–50; invent + -ive; replacing late Middle English inventif

in•ven′tive•ly, adv. 
in•ven′tive•ness, n.