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

• 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

While originally set to create upwards of 2,500 jobs once operational and bring a $3.5 billion dollar investment from Ford, the project has since been scaled back. —Elyse Apel, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 2025

Standardized tests—originally developed by eugenicists—have long favored wealthier, white test-takers. —Leadership Brainery, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

This was originally supposed to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2028, and Republican Sen. John Kennedy's amendment moved it to Jan. 1, 2027. —July 1, CBS News, 1 July 2025

The opening date of Marilyn Manson U.K. tour—originally set for Oct. 29 at the Brighton Centre—has officially been canceled following public backlash, political pressure and an open letter from a member of Parliament urging city officials to pull the show. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 30 June 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