original

American  

[uh-rij-uh-nl] / əˈrɪdʒ ə nl /

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the origin or beginning of something, or to a thing at its beginning.

   The book still has its original binding.

   Synonyms:

   primitive, primeval, primordial, primary

2. new; fresh; inventive; novel.

   an original way of advertising.

3. arising or proceeding independently of anything else.

   an original view of history.

4. capable of or given to thinking or acting in an independent, creative, or individual manner.

   an original thinker.

5. created, undertaken, or presented for the first time.

   to give the original performance of a string quartet.

6. being something from which a copy, a translation, or the like is made.

   The original document is in Washington.

---

noun

1. a primary form or type from which varieties are derived.

   Synonyms:

   model, prototype, pattern, archetype

   Antonyms:

   copy

2. an original work, writing, or the like, as opposed to any copy or imitation.

   The original of this is in the British Museum.

3. the person or thing represented by a picture, description, etc..

   The original is said to have been the painter's own house.

4. a person whose ways of thinking or acting are original.

   In a field of brilliant technicians he is a true original.

5. Archaic. an eccentric person.

6. Archaic. a source of being; an author or originator.

original British  

/ əˈrɪdʒɪnəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to an origin or beginning

2. fresh and unusual; novel

3. able to think of or carry out new ideas or concepts

4. being that from which a copy, translation, etc, is made

---

noun

1. the first and genuine form of something, from which others are derived

2. a person or thing used as a model in art or literature

3. a person whose way of thinking is unusual or creative

4. an unconventional or strange person

5. the first form or occurrence of something

6. an archaic word for originator See originator

Other Word Forms

• nonoriginal adjective
• nonoriginally adverb
• preoriginal adjective
• preoriginally adverb
• quasi-original adjective
• quasi-originally adverb
• unoriginal adjective
• unoriginally adverb

Etymology

Origin of original

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin orīginālis (adjective) and Medieval Latin orīgināle “original document” (noun use of neuter adjective), equivalent to orīgin- “beginning, source” + -ālis adjective suffix; origin, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Last year, at the time of the board’s approval of the original $500 million, there was no public board discussion at all.

From Los Angeles Times

The cult star promised covers of metal staples like Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, as well as "a few originals forged in the same cosmic fire."

From Barron's

It is up for 11 awards in total including best film, original screenplay and best director for Josh Safdie.

From BBC

In Mr. Barnett’s hands, “Rumpelstiltskin” has undergone a very light refurbishing, keeping the original plot mostly intact with the welcome addition of the author’s trademark wry humor.

From The Wall Street Journal

While Issy's claim was fully covered, questions were initially raised around Lucky's costs because the original policy didn't clearly address births after 32 weeks.

From BBC

Related Words

• creative
• imaginative
• innovative
• inventive
• seminal
• unconventional
• unusual