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

McBee, who is facing up to 30 years in prison, was originally given a sentencing date in March before being pushed to June and then September. —Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

Large retractable awnings, originally installed to keep rain out, now also provides critical shade from the sun. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

Primus was originally appointed by Trump in 2020, technically, at the behest of Senate Democrats. —Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025

Seventy years ago today, the Champions League (originally known as the European Cup) began. —Will Jeanes, New York Times, 4 Sep. 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