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

This Leighton Meester cover story originally appeared in—and has been adapted from— Glamour Spain. —María Mérida, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025

Dreja — pictured above, second from left, with the group in 1967 — was originally the band’s rhythm guitarist and shifted over to bass after Page joined in 1966. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025

Ahead of sentencing, Combs' attorneys submitted several letters on his behalf, including one from an ex-girlfriend originally identified as Victim #3 in the government's indictment. —Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025

Under the order, which took effect Wednesday, the payout for solar owners will fall but stay higher than Idaho Power originally proposed. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 2 Oct. 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