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N/Novelty
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Visual memory aid for Novelty

Novelty

The quality of being new, original, or unusual; something new and interesting, such as a small, inexpensive item designed to attract attention.

noun
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Imagine This

Imagine walking into a shop and seeing a shiny, unfamiliar gadget on every counter. Each day, a different item is showcased as the 'latest novelty,' drawing people in with its promise of something new.

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Sounds Like

NOH-vuhl-tee

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Looks Like

Contains the root 'novel' (new) and ends with -ty, visually hinting at 'newness'.

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Remember This

Novelty emphasizes newness or unusualness. Its appeal often fades as people grow used to the item or idea.

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Other Forms

noveltiesnoun
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Connect With

newness, originality, innovation, fad

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Note

Do not confuse novelty with significance or importance. 'Novelty' refers to newness or unusualness, while 'novel' as an adjective means original or inventive (less formal). The term is commonly used with 'novelty item' or 'novelty act.'

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Study Deeper

Examples
  • The novelty of the gadget wore off after a week.
  • Retailers rely on novelty items to attract customers and boost sales.
Synonyms
newnessoriginalityfreshnessunusualness
Antonyms
familiarityconventionalitystaleness
Etymology

From Latin novus 'new' through Old French novelte; the suffix -ty forms a noun indicating a state or quality.

Mnemonic

Novelty = novel + ty: the suffix -ty marks a state or quality; novelty is the state of being novel (new).