Innovative vs. Innovatory — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 21, 2024
Innovative refers to something featuring new methods; advanced and original, while innovatory also means pertaining to or involving innovation but is less commonly used.
Difference Between Innovative and Innovatory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Innovative is commonly used to describe something that introduces new ideas, methods, or products that are original and progressive. It is frequently applied in contexts like technology, business, and creative industries. Whereas, innovatory is less prevalent and often appears in formal or academic contexts to specifically highlight the aspect of introducing innovations.
Innovative implies a successful implementation of new ideas that effectively improve on existing conditions or standards. It often carries a positive connotation of effectiveness and impact. On the other hand, innovatory focuses more on the process of introducing new ideas or methods, without necessarily implying their success or widespread acceptance.
Businesses often seek to be innovative in order to gain a competitive edge by offering unique products or services that meet changing consumer needs. Whereas, research and development projects might be described as innovatory when they explore new scientific or technological territories.
Marketing materials commonly use the term innovative to appeal to a broad audience by associating products with cutting-edge technology or groundbreaking design. In contrast, academic papers might use innovatory when discussing theoretical advancements or proposals for experimental approaches.
Comparison Chart
Usage Frequency
Commonly used
Less commonly used
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Connotation
Positive, implies success
Neutral, focuses on the process
Contexts
Business, technology, creative arts
Academic, formal discussions
Appeal
Broad, commercially attractive
Specific, scholarly
Focus
Effectiveness of new ideas
Introduction of new ideas
Compare with Definitions
Innovative
Fresh and unusual approach or idea.
The innovative curriculum at the school includes subjects like robotics and coding.
Innovatory
Characterized by or relating to innovation.
Their innovatory research has led to a breakthrough in renewable energy.
Innovative
Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
Apple is considered innovative for its cutting-edge technology and design.
Innovatory
Tending to innovate, or introduce something new or different.
The company's innovatory policy has encouraged more open collaboration.
Innovative
Marked by innovation and creativity.
An innovative software feature can significantly enhance user experience.
Innovatory
Concerned with or promoting innovation.
The university's program is designed to foster innovatory thinking among students.
Innovative
Characterized by innovation; ahead of the times.
Their innovative approach to marketing has doubled their web traffic.
Innovatory
Designed to introduce innovations; pioneering.
The architect's designs are known for their innovatory style.
Innovative
Making changes to something established by introducing new methods.
The chef's innovative use of ingredients won accolades.
Innovatory
Aimed at exploring new methods or ideas.
The seminar focused on innovatory techniques for urban farming.
Innovative
(of a product, idea, etc.) featuring new methods; advanced and original
Innovative ways to help unemployed people
Innovative designs
Innovatory
To begin or introduce (something new) for the first time.
Innovative
Marked by innovation or given to making innovations.
Innovatory
To begin or introduce something new.
Innovative
Characterized by the creation of new ideas or inventions.
Innovatory
Producing new ideas or products
Innovative
Forward-looking; ahead of current thinking.
Innovative
Characterized by, or introducing, innovations.
Innovative
Ahead of the times;
The advanced teaching methods
Had advanced views on the subject
A forward-looking corporation
Is British industry innovative enough?
Innovative
Being or producing something like nothing done or experienced or created before;
Stylistically innovative works
Innovative members of the artistic community
A mind so innovational, so original
Common Curiosities
What does innovatory mean?
Innovatory pertains to introducing new ideas or methods, focusing more on the action of innovation rather than its impact.
Can a product be both innovative and innovatory?
Yes, a product can be both if it introduces new ideas (innovatory) and is effectively implemented to become widely accepted (innovative).
Why is innovative more popular than innovatory?
Innovative is more popular because it not only implies the introduction of new ideas but also their successful adoption and effectiveness, making it more appealing in commercial and general contexts.
Is innovative the same as innovatory?
While both terms relate to introducing new ideas, innovative is more about the successful implementation and widespread acceptance of these ideas, whereas innovatory is more about the process of innovation.
How do I use innovatory in a sentence?
Innovatory can be used when emphasizing the process of innovation, e.g., "The paper proposed several innovatory approaches to solve the issue."
Are there specific areas where innovatory is preferred?
Yes, in academic and formal writing, innovatory is often preferred to describe theoretical or experimental approaches.
Which term is more favorable in marketing?
Innovative is more favorable in marketing due to its positive connotations and implication of success.
What does innovative mean?
Innovative refers to something that is original and creative in thinking, often leading to effective new methods or products.
How do I use innovative in a sentence?
Innovative can be used to describe anything new and effective, e.g., "Their innovative software has revolutionized how we work."
What is an example of innovatory research?
Innovatory research might involve pioneering studies in a new scientific field or innovative methodologies in data analysis.
What is the impact of being innovative in business?
Being innovative can significantly enhance a business's competitiveness and ability to meet evolving consumer demands.
What industries typically use the term innovative?
Industries such as technology, business, and the creative arts frequently use the term innovative.
Does innovatory imply success like innovative?
No, innovatory focuses on the introduction of new methods or ideas, not necessarily their success or acceptance.
Can a person be described as innovative or innovatory?
Yes, a person can be described as innovative if they often come up with new and effective ideas, or innovatory if they frequently propose or initiate new methods.
Is it better to be innovative or innovatory?
It depends on the context; being innovative is generally seen as more advantageous due to its broader appeal and positive implications.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
