New vs. Novel: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 28, 2023
New refers to something recently made, discovered, or created, while novel refers to something original and not seen before, presenting a new concept.
Key Differences
The terms "new" and "novel" both describe something that has recently come into existence or knowledge, but they have nuanced differences. "New" is a general term that can refer to anything that has not been used or seen before or has been recently created or introduced. It is broadly applicable to a wide range of contexts and suggests the opposite of old. For example, a new car may be a model recently released, but it doesn’t imply that the car possesses an unprecedented feature or concept.
On the other hand, "novel" implies originality and uniqueness. Something novel presents a new idea, concept, or structure that hasn’t been seen or thought of before. It usually involves innovation and a break from the convention. A novel concept in technology, for instance, would mean that the concept introduces a way of thinking or doing that is not just new but is also fundamentally different from existing ones.
When comparing new and novel, the scope and depth of originality and innovation are key. New objects or ideas may be recent additions or updates to existing ones, but they do not necessarily introduce groundbreaking alterations or unprecedented features. They may just be unused or recently introduced, such as a new pair of shoes or a new book release.
In contrast, novel goes beyond mere recency to encompass a deeper level of uniqueness and innovation. It suggests that the subject is not only fresh but also inventive and unexplored, offering a perspective, method, or design that is groundbreaking. For example, a novel approach to solving a problem would involve a strategy or method that is entirely different from existing approaches.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Recently made, discovered, or created.
Original and not seen before, presenting a new concept.
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Depth of Originality
May not imply originality or unprecedented features.
Implies a high level of originality and innovation.
Usage
Broadly applicable to a wide range of contexts.
Typically refers to ideas, approaches, or concepts.
Relation to Convention
May not break from convention or introduce groundbreaking alterations.
Involves innovation and a break from convention.
Scope
Can refer to anything unused or recently introduced.
Involves a new and unique concept or structure.
New and Novel Definitions
New
Not used, worn, or seen before.
She bought a new dress for the party.
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Novel
Innovative and pioneering.
The company introduced a novel approach to customer service.
New
Just beginning or starting.
He is new to programming.
Novel
Pertaining to a new kind of narrative, story, or type of literature.
Her novel explores the complexities of human relationships.
New
Having been made or come into being only a short time ago; recent
A new law.
Novel
A fictional prose narrative of considerable length, typically having a plot that is unfolded by the actions, speech, and thoughts of the characters.
New
Still fresh
A new coat of paint.
Novel
The literary genre represented by novels.
New
Never used or worn before now
A new car.
A new hat.
Novel
Strikingly new, unusual, or different.
New
Just found, discovered, or learned
New information.
Novel
Newly made, formed or evolved; having no precedent; of recent origin; new.
New
Not previously experienced or encountered; novel or unfamiliar
Ideas new to her.
Novel
Original, especially in an interesting way; new and striking; not of the typical or ordinary type.
New
Different from the former or the old
The new morality.
Novel
A work of prose fiction, longer than a novella.
New
Recently obtained or acquired
New political power.
New money.
Novel
(historical) A fable; a short tale, especially one of many making up a larger work.
New
Additional; further
New sources of energy.
Novel
(obsolete) A novelty; something new.
New
Recently arrived or established in a place, position, or relationship
New neighbors.
A new president.
Novel
A new legal constitution in ancient Rome.
New
Changed for the better; rejuvenated
The nap has made a new person of me.
Novel
Of recent origin or introduction; not ancient; new; hence, out of the ordinary course; unusual; strange; surprising.
New
Being the later or latest in a sequence
A new edition.
Novel
That which is new or unusual; a novelty.
New
Currently fashionable
A new dance.
Novel
News; fresh tidings.
Some came of curiosity to hear some novels.
New
New In the most recent form, period, or development.
Novel
A fictitious tale or narrative, longer than a short story, having some degree of complexity and development of characters; it is usually organized as a time sequence of events, and is commonly intended to exhibit the operation of the passions, and often of love.
New
Inexperienced or unaccustomed
New at the job.
New to the trials of parenthood.
Novel
A extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
New
Of or relating to a new moon.
Novel
A printed and bound book that is an extended work of fiction;
His bookcases were filled with nothing but novels
He burned all the novels
New
Freshly; recently. Often used in combination
New-mown.
Novel
Of a kind not seen before;
The computer produced a completely novel proof of a well-known theorem
New
Recently made, or created.
This is a new scratch on my car!
The band just released a new album.
Novel
Pleasantly novel or different;
Common sense of a most refreshing sort
New
Of recent origin; having taken place recently.
I can't see you for a while; the pain is still too new.
Did you see the new King Lear at the theatre?
Novel
Original and not seen before, introducing a new concept or approach.
The scientist presented a novel theory that challenged conventional beliefs.
New
Additional; recently discovered.
We turned up some new evidence from the old files.
Novel
Fresh and inventive in style or conception.
The author’s novel writing style earned him critical acclaim.
New
Current or later, as opposed to former.
My new car is much better than my previous one, even though it is older.
We had been in our new house for five years by then.
New
Used to distinguish something established more recently, named after something or some place previously existing.
New Bond Street is an extension of Bond Street.
New
In original condition; pristine; not previously worn or used.
Are you going to buy a new car or a second-hand one?
New
Refreshed, reinvigorated, reformed.
That shirt is dirty. Go and put on a new one.
I feel like a new person after a good night's sleep.
After the accident, I saw the world with new eyes.
New
Newborn.
My sister has a new baby, and our mother is excited to finally have a grandchild.
New
Strange, unfamiliar or not previously known.
The idea was new to me.
I need to meet new people.
New
Recently arrived or appeared.
Have you met the new guy in town?
He is the new kid at school.
New
Inexperienced or unaccustomed at some task.
Don't worry that you're new at this job; you'll get better with time.
I'm new at this business.
New
(of a period of time) Next; about to begin or recently begun.
We expect to grow at 10% annually in the new decade.
New
Newly (especially in composition).
New-born, new-formed, new-found, new-mown
New
As new; from scratch.
They are scraping the site clean to build new.
New
Things that are new.
Out with the old, in with the new.
New
A typically light-coloured lager brewed by the bottom-fermentation method.
New
A naval cadet who has just embarked on training.
New
(programming) new up
New
(obsolete) To make new; to recreate; to renew.
New
Having existed, or having been made, but a short time; having originated or occured lately; having recently come into existence, or into one's possession; not early or long in being; of late origin; recent; fresh; modern; - opposed to old, as, a new coat; a new house; a new book; a new fashion.
New
Not before seen or known, although existing before; lately manifested; recently discovered; as, a new metal; a new planet; new scenes.
New
Newly beginning or recurring; starting anew; now commencing; different from what has been; as, a new year; a new course or direction.
New
As if lately begun or made; having the state or quality of original freshness; also, changed for the better; renovated; unworn; untried; unspent; as, rest and travel made him a new man.
Steadfasty purposing to lead a new life.
Men after long emaciating diets, fat, and almost new.
New
Not of ancient extraction, or of a family of ancient descent; not previously known or famous.
New
Not habituated; not familiar; unaccustomed.
New to the plow, unpracticed in the trace.
New
Fresh from anything; newly come.
New from her sickness to that northern air.
New
Newly; recently.
New
To make new; to renew.
New
Not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered;
A new law
New cars
A new comet
A new friend
A new year
The New World
New
Other than the former one(s); different;
They now have a new leaders
My new car is four years old but has only 15,000 miles on it
Ready to take a new direction
New
Having no previous example or precedent or parallel;
A time of unexampled prosperity
New
Of a kind not seen before;
The computer produced a completely novel proof of a well-known theorem
New
Lacking training or experience;
The new men were eager to fight
Raw recruits
He was still wet behind the ears when he shipped as a hand on a merchant vessel
New
Of a new (often outrageous) kind or fashion
New
(often followed by `to') unfamiliar;
New experiences
Experiences new to him
Errors of someone new to the job
New
(of crops) harvested at an early stage of development; before complete maturity;
New potatoes
Young corn
New
Unaffected by use or exposure;
It looks like new
New
In use after Medieval times;
New Eqyptian was the language of the 18th to 21st dynasties
New
Used of a living language; being the current stage in its development;
Modern English
New Hebrew is Israeli Hebrew
New
Very recently;
They are newly married
Newly raised objections
A newly arranged hairdo
Grass new washed by the rain
A freshly cleaned floor
We are fresh out of tomatoes
New
Recently created or introduced.
The new software update offers several enhanced features.
New
Not existing before; made, discovered, or learned for the first time.
They just released a new album last week.
New
Different from the former or the old.
The team has a new coach this season.
FAQs
Can new refer to anything unused?
Yes, new can refer to anything that is unused or has not been seen, used, or worn before.
Can something new lack originality?
Yes, something new can be a recent addition or update without introducing groundbreaking features.
Does novel always mean innovative?
Generally, yes, "novel" often implies a high level of originality and innovation.
Is novel typically used to describe ideas and concepts?
Yes, "novel" often refers to original and unique ideas, concepts, or approaches.
Is a novel concept always fundamentally different?
Typically, a novel concept introduces a fundamentally different and original approach or idea.
Does novel always introduce something unprecedented?
Generally, "novel" implies introducing something original and unprecedented.
Does novel relate to literature?
Yes, "novel" can refer to a new kind of narrative, story, or a type of literature.
Are new and novel interchangeable?
Not always, "new" refers to something recently made, while "novel" implies originality and innovation.
Does new imply the opposite of old?
Yes, "new" typically suggests something that is the opposite of old or previously existing.
Can a new object be similar to existing ones?
Yes, a new object may be a recent version or addition but similar to existing ones.
Is a novel approach always new?
Generally, a novel approach is new in the sense of being original and not seen before.
Can a novel design be conventional?
A novel design typically breaks from convention and introduces a unique and original structure.
Can new be innovative?
Yes, something new can also be innovative, but it’s not implied by the term itself.
Does the new always relate to time?
Often, "new" relates to something being recent or not existing before.
Can new imply unused?
Yes, "new" can imply something that is unused or not worn before.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
