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Definition of originally

originally

/əˈrɪdʒ.ə.nəl.i/
o · rig · i · nal · ly
Adjective:original
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originally Lexical Profile

originally Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

From or in the beginning; in the first place, before any subsequent changes or developments.

Example

"The historic building was originally constructed as a textile mill before being converted into apartments."

2

In a novel, independent, or creative manner not derived from something else.

Example

"She is a brilliant scholar who thinks originally and challenges conventional assumptions."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for originally
Antonyms
View all antonyms for originally

• Rhymes for originally

• Nearby Words

originalism
originalist
originality
originally
originate
origination
originator

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'original' (borrowed from Old French and Latin 'originalis', meaning 'belonging to the beginning', from 'origo', meaning 'beginning, source, or birth') combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Originally. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/originally
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