Distinguishing Imaginary and Imaginative: Understanding Their Meanings and Usage

Imaginary vs. Imaginative

History of the Words

The word “imaginary” comes from the Latin word “imaginarius”, meaning something formed in the mind and not real. The word “imaginative” comes from the same root, but it refers more to the ability to create ideas with the mind.

How to Use Them

Imaginary

The word “imaginary” is an adjective. It’s used to talk about something made up or not real. It is like a pretend thing or idea you can think of in your mind.

Example Sentences

• The children have an imaginary friend they play with.
• We went on an imaginary adventure to the moon.
• The story is about an imaginary land with talking animals.
• Her fears about the monster under the bed are imaginary.
• He draws imaginary creatures that only exist in his mind.

Imaginative

The word “imaginative” is an adjective too. It describes a person or idea that is full of creativity and can think of new and different things.

Example Sentences

• She is an imaginative writer with many unique stories.
• The kids made an imaginative fort out of pillows and blankets.
• His imaginative thinking helped solve the problem.
• The artist’s work is very imaginative and colorful.
• Imaginative play is important for children’s development.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember that “imaginary” means not real, like a pretend game. “Imaginative” means creative, like a person who can think of new ideas.

Summary

“Imaginary” is for things that aren’t real but are made up in our minds, while “imaginative” describes someone or something full of creative ideas. Both words deal with the mind but in different ways. Use “imaginary” when talking about pretend things, and “imaginative” when praising someone’s creative thinking.