originally

adverb

orig·​i·​nal·​ly ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl-ē 

-ˈrij-nə-lē,

-ˈri-jən-

1

archaic : by origin or derivation : inherently

2

: in the beginning : in the first place : initially

3

: in a fresh or original manner

Synonyms

• firstly
• initially
• primarily

Examples of originally in a Sentence

That van originally belonged to us.

The building was originally a school.

They originally planned to fix their old car, but they decided to buy a new one instead.

Originally, the word had a very different meaning from its current meaning.

a New Yorker who is originally from Mexico

She has shown an ability to think originally about ways to improve the company.

Recent Examples on the Web

The actor had read the script pre-COVID-19, and originally auditioned for the role that went to his costar Théodore Pellerin. —Kristen Tauer, WWD, 29 Jan. 2025

This story was originally published January 28, 2025 at 3:16 PM. —Mark Price, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025

This story was originally published January 29, 2025 at 7:55 AM. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 29 Jan. 2025

This story was originally published January 28, 2025 at 10:53 PM. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

originally

adverb

orig·​i·​nal·​ly ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl-ē 

-nəl-ē

1

: in the beginning : in the first place

2

: in an original manner