Word
originally
Phoneticsorig·i·nal·ly
US/ɝˈɪdʒənəɫi/
UK/əɹˈɪdʒɪnəli/
Adverb of time
Definitions
01at the beginning
B1 · Intermediate
adv. at first, or in the beginning before things changed.
adv. at the beginning of a process or state; refers to the initial condition before subsequent modification.
“The house was originally painted green, but the new owners changed it to white.”
“Although the building was originally designed as a warehouse, it has since been converted into luxury apartments and a gallery space.”
Usage
Typically placed before the main verb or after the verb 'to be'.
Antonyms
02in a creative way
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. in a new, fresh, or creative way that is different from others.
adv. in an original or creative manner; characterized by independent thought or inventive execution.
Español:originalmente
“She thinks very originally and always comes up with ideas no one else has.”
“The composer approached the traditional folk melody quite originally, blending classical structures with modern electronic textures.”
Usage
Often functions as an adverb of manner following the verb it modifies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “originally” in context.
Verb
01. originally conceive
“The project was originally conceived as a small community garden.”
adv + verb
02. originally derive
“Many modern English words were originally derived from Latin.”
adv + verb
03. originally develop
“This software was originally developed for use in hospitals.”
adv + verb
04. originally propose
“The committee rejected the plan that was originally proposed last year.”
adv + verb
05. originally publish
“The famous novel was originally published in 1925.”
adv + verb
06. originally published
07. originally intended
08. originally appeared
09. originally anticipated
10. originally built
11. originally planned
12. originally set
Etymology
From Middle English originali; equivalent to original + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/originally
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0