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originally

adverb
uh-RIJ-uh-nuh-lee/əˈɹɪd͡ʒɪnəli/

2 meanings of originally

Practice

  1. 1
    at firstadverb
    In the beginning, before things changed to how they are now.

    Originally, the small shop sold only bread and milk.

    The team originally planned to finish the work by spring.

    UsageSay originally from for the place someone first comes from: originally from Ohio.

    Similarinitially, first

    Oppositelater, subsequently

  2. 2
    creativelyadverb
    In a new and creative way, not copied from anyone else.

    Our art teacher wants us to think originally, not copy each other.

    Few students in her class write as originally as she does.

    Similarinventively, creatively, imaginatively, innovatively

    Oppositeconventionally

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English originali, made from "original" plus "-ly".

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts