Brainstorming Meaning and Definition
Brainstorming
Pronunciation
/ˈbrɛn.stɔrm.ɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A structured thinking process that encourages wild and free-flowing generation of ideas and solutions, often in a group setting, aiming to increase creativity and innovation.
Examples
- The team used brainstorming to come up with innovative solutions to the marketing problem.
- The teacher encouraged students to brainstorm ideas for their school project.
Synonyms
- Idea generation
- Brainstorm
Antonyms
- Analyzing
- Critiquing
Etymology
The term “brainstorming” was coined by Alex Osborn, an American advertiser and writer, in his 1953 book “Applied Imagination”.
Usage Notes
Brainstorming is often used in a business or academic setting, but it can also be applied to personal projects or creative pursuits.
Cultural References
Brainstorming has been referenced in popular culture, such as in films, TV shows, and literature.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Brainstorm” is often used as a verb, meaning to engage in a brainstorming session. Another example is “mind storm”, which is a less common but equivalent phrase.
Related Words or Phrases
- Think tank
- Idea incubation
- Innovation
Collocations
- Brainstorming session
- Think tank meeting
- Idea generation workshop
Frequency of Use
Brainstorming is a commonly used term in modern language, especially in business and educational settings.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word include “brainstoming”, “brainstroming”, and “brain storming”.