originally

[ uh-rij-uh-nl-ee ]

adverb

1. with respect to origin; by origin:

   Originally he came from California.

2. at the beginning; at first:

   Originally this was to be in three volumes.

3. in the first place; primarily:

   Originally nomads, they first learned agriculture from the missionaries.

4. in an original, novel, or distinctively individual manner:

   Originally planned houses are much in demand.

5. Archaic. from the beginning; from the first; inherently.

originally

/ əˈrɪdʒɪnəlɪ /

adverb

1. in the first place
2. in an original way
3. with reference to the origin or beginning

Word History and Origins

Origin of originally¹

First recorded in 1480–90; original + -ly

Example Sentences

It was originally authorized only for people 18 years or older in the United States and Europe.

From Science Magazine

This story was originally published by Fingers, an independent newsletter about drinking in America.

From Salon

It was originally scheduled for this month but was postponed because of the security situation in Israel, Dekker says.

From Science Magazine

Trump was originally found guilty of 34 felonies related to concealing payments to Daniels, an adult film actress with whom he had an alleged sexual encounter.

From Salon

Their mission, originally meant to last around a week, will have gone on for over eight months by the time the two are picked up by a SpaceX Dragon at the end of February 2025.

From Salon

Related Words

• basically
• formerly