Novel
Token systems that end lunch stampedes, water-saving sensors, and excuses involving goats all earn this adjective when new also means original.
Learn This WordMeaning
New and original.
Memory trick
NOVEL = NOV (new, as in November’s new year apples) + EL: brand-new thing.
Examples
A novel method saved water.
The canteen’s novel token system ended the lunch stampede in a week.
Her novel excuse involved a goat, a wedding, and a traffic jam in that order.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Latin novellus "new, fresh," diminutive of novus. A novel idea is newborn thinking.
Usage Notes
Adjective NOV-el means new; noun NOV-el means the book. SAT tests exactly this split, so flag the part of speech every time.
Real-life contexts
Use in ideas: "That is a novel way to revise."
Use in tech: "A novel sensor cuts water waste."
Use in writing: "Open with a novel angle, not a quote."
Common Mistakes
As adjective it means original, not merely recent; a new phone model is new, a phone that charges by walking is novel. Do not write "very novel": novelty is absolute.
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Part of Speech
adjective
Difficulty
beginnerMonthly Searches
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Related Words
Fledgling
A young bird that has just fledged; a person or organization that is new and inexperienced.
Empathy
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person; the capacity to place oneself in another's position.
Comprehensive
Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something; complete and thorough.