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

Tarwater is originally from Kansas City, Kansas, and holds a master’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Because the building was originally built as luxury apartments, the layouts are massive, light-filled, and feel more like high-end residential flats. — Jocelyn Silver, Vogue, 26 July 2026

The final stage was originally set to begin in Thoiry, about 56 kilometers to the west of Paris, and cyclists would then ride into the famed city. — Chandelis Duster, NPR, 26 July 2026

The designer went on to describe the miniature collection as an homage to the Happy Stripe sweater, originally introduced as part of Gap’s Holiday 2000 campaign. — Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes.com, 26 July 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