creatively
gb/kɹiˈeɪtɪvli/ us/kɹiˈeɪtɪvli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in an original, imaginative way
in a new and interesting way
Usage pattern:
do [something] creatively
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse with the adjective: say 'a creative idea' but 'think creatively.'
Synonyms
imaginatively (Focuses on using imagination.)
|
innovatively (Emphasizes new methods or improvements.)
Antonyms
unimaginatively (Without original ideas.)
|
conventionally (Following usual or traditional ways.)
Collocations
think creatively
|work creatively
|approach creatively
|use creatively
|respond creatively
|solve problems creatively
|write creatively
|design creatively
|creatively combine
|creatively adapt
Themes
learning
|work
|communication
Examples
- She solved the problem creatively, using materials they already had.
- The team is encouraged to think creatively when planning the campaign.
- Try to use the space creatively instead of adding more furniture.
Learner examples
- We can think creatively.
- He works creatively on new ideas.
adverb
B2
property
2
by making or enjoying art
in a way that uses art or creativity
Usage pattern:
express yourself creatively; work creatively
Common mistake:
In this sense, it often goes with verbs like 'express' or 'create,' not with physical actions like 'run creatively.'
Synonyms
artistically (Specifically connected to art and aesthetics.)
Antonyms
mechanically (Done in a routine way without artistic expression.)
Collocations
express yourself creatively
|creatively express
|create creatively
|creatively fulfilled
|creatively rewarding
|creatively stimulating
|creatively engage
|creatively explore
Themes
arts
|hobbies
|education
Examples
- The class gives children a chance to express themselves creatively.
- He spends weekends creatively, painting and writing music.
- They want a job that allows them to grow creatively.
Learner examples
- She expresses herself creatively through music.
- The children play creatively.
adverb
B2
property
3
with resourceful problem-solving
in a smart way that finds new solutions
Usage pattern:
solve [a problem] creatively; deal with [a situation] creatively
Common mistake:
This sense is about solving problems; it does not necessarily mean 'making art.'
Synonyms
resourcefully (Highlights practical cleverness and making do.)
|
inventively (Emphasizes clever new ideas or methods.)
Antonyms
rigidly (Not flexible; not open to alternative solutions.)
Collocations
solve creatively
|deal creatively
|handle creatively
|budget creatively
|creatively manage
|creatively overcome
|creatively reframe
|creatively improvise
Themes
work
|daily_life
|problem_solving
Examples
- When the delivery was late, the staff handled the situation creatively.
- We had to budget creatively to afford the trip.
- She creatively rearranged the schedule to fit everyone in.
Learner examples
- We solved it creatively.
- He handled the problem creatively.
adverb
C1
property
4
in a way that bends rules
in a way that changes the meaning to fit what you want
Usage pattern:
creatively interpret [something]; describe [something] creatively
Common mistake:
Often carries a negative suggestion (not just 'imaginative'); context matters.
Synonyms
loosely (Emphasizes not strict or exact.)
|
selectively (Suggests choosing only convenient parts of the truth.)
Antonyms
accurately (Faithful to facts and exact meaning.)
|
strictly (Following rules or meanings precisely.)
Collocations
creatively interpret
|creatively redefine
|creatively present
|creatively describe
|creatively edited
|creatively account for
Themes
business
|law
|media
Examples
- He creatively interpreted the policy to justify his decision.
- The report was creatively edited to make the results look better.
- They described the delay creatively, calling it a 'schedule enhancement.'
Learner examples
- She interpreted the rule creatively.
- The facts were presented creatively.
adverb
C1
relation
5
in terms of creative development
when talking about someone’s creative ability
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] grows creatively; [someone/something] peaks creatively
Common mistake:
This sense is about evaluation (e.g., of an artist or project), not about how an action is done.
Synonyms
artistically (Often used when judging creative quality, especially in art.)
Antonyms
uncreatively (Lacking creativity or creative progress.)
Collocations
grow creatively
|develop creatively
|peak creatively
|creatively strong
|creatively successful
|creatively satisfying
|creatively ambitious
Themes
arts
|work
|evaluation
Examples
- The band has grown creatively over the past few years.
- She felt stuck creatively and needed a break.
- The series starts well but declines creatively in later seasons.
Learner examples
- He is growing creatively.
- I feel stuck creatively.
Grammar
Dictionary form
creatively
IPA
GB/kɹiˈeɪtɪvli/
US/kɹiˈeɪtɪvli/
Syllables & stress
cre - at - ively (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (at)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: creatively
- Plural: creativelies
Word family
Forms
creativelies
noun
Core family
Related words
creator
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
uncreative
adjective
uncreatively
adverb
Expressions
creatively challenged
1/kɹiˈeɪtɪvli t͡ʃˈælɪnd͡ʒd/
fixed phrase
informal
humorously: not very creative
not good at creative tasks (joking)
Examples
- I’m creatively challenged, so I let my friends decorate the room.
- He says he’s creatively challenged, but his photos are great.
- The group joked that they were creatively challenged when their poster fell apart.
creatively speaking
1/kɹiˈeɪtɪvli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
from an artistic point of view
when talking about art or creativity
Examples
- Creatively speaking, this is her most ambitious project.
- Creatively speaking, the film takes more risks than the first one.
- Creatively speaking, the team is in a much better place this year.
express yourself creatively
1/ɪkspɹˈɛs jʊɹsˈɛlf kɹiˈeɪtɪvli/
fixed phrase
show feelings through creative activity
to show your ideas using art or creativity
Examples
- The workshop helps teenagers express themselves creatively through photography.
- He’s shy in conversation but can express himself creatively in his writing.
- The app gives users new ways to express themselves creatively.
interpret (something) creatively
1/ɪntˈɚpɹət sˈʌmθɪŋ kɹiˈeɪtɪvli/
fixed phrase
interpret loosely to suit oneself
to understand something in a way that is not strict
Examples
- He interpreted the instructions creatively and skipped several steps.
- The contract clause was interpreted creatively in court.
- They interpreted the survey results creatively to support their claim.
think creatively
1/θˈɪŋk kɹiˈeɪtɪvli/
fixed phrase
generate original ideas or solutions
to try to find new ideas
Examples
- We need to think creatively about how to reduce costs.
- The teacher asked the class to think creatively and propose a new ending.
- If the usual plan fails, think creatively and try a different approach.
use (something) creatively
1/jˈuz sˈʌmθɪŋ kɹiˈeɪtɪvli/
fixed phrase
use in an unusual, effective way
to use something in a new way
Examples
- They used lighting creatively to make the room feel larger.
- You can use leftovers creatively instead of throwing them away.
- The designer used color creatively to guide visitors through the space.