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 of originally

• 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

Officers with the Indiana Borough Police Department were originally dispatched to a domestic disturbance in Indiana Borough. — Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 29 June 2026

But Luis Enrique’s side, with Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, and Doué pressing collectively and sacrificing individual glory for system, now best embodies the collective, tactically coherent ideals that Guardiola’s Barcelona originally championed. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 June 2026

There will be concerts, but only certain artists need apply — most of those originally booked have already walked out, saying they were misled about the event’s political affiliations. — Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Well, when the reactors were originally built in the 1960s and 1970s, they were granted operational licenses for around 40 years. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026

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