originally
- 1At first; as things stood at the beginning, before any later changes occurred.
The cathedral was originally a much smaller chapel that grew over the centuries.
She originally trained as a lawyer before turning to journalism.
UsageOften originally from a place, for where someone first comes from: she's originally from Ohio.
Oppositelater, subsequently
- 2In a manner that is fresh and inventive, not derived from or imitating anything else.
Critics praised the young novelist for writing so originally about a subject that had seemed worn out.
The best designers learn to think originally instead of chasing whatever trend is popular this season.
Similarinventively, creatively, imaginatively, innovatively
Oppositeconventionally
Practice
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Origin
Middle English had it as originali; it is "original" with the suffix "-ly" added.