innovation
UK[ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn]US[ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn]
n
the introduction of new things, ideas, or ways of doing something
n
a new idea, method, or device
Morpheme Breakdown
in
nov
ation
in
into
nov
new
ation
action or process
Etymology
The word 'innovation' has its origins in the Latin verb 'innovare', which means "to renew or alter". This verb itself is a compound of the prefix 'in-' (meaning "into") and the root 'novus' (meaning "new"), literally signifying "to make new". Entering English via Old French in the 15th century, it initially carried a negative connotation of introducing a change to established customs. Over centuries, the term shed this pejorative sense, evolving to neutrally describe the process of introducing novelties. Its modern abstract meaning centers on the positive and deliberate process of renewing or introducing new methods, ideas, or products.
Analysis
Structure: in (into) + nov (new) + ation (action or process)
- in: Latin prefix meaning "into, in, on, upon".
- nov: Latin root from 'novus', meaning "new".
- ation: Latin-derived suffix forming nouns indicating an action or process.
Examples
The company is investing heavily in research and innovation.
Technological innovation has dramatically changed how we communicate.
Her innovative approach to the problem won her great acclaim.