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

These questions were raised after reporting by The New York Times in August 2024 regarding Moore’s untruthful claims about receiving the Bronze Star in Afghanistan — a story originally reported on in 2022 by FOX45’s Mikenzie Frost. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026

The Florio dynasty, once one of Sicily’s most influential families, purchased Villa Igiea from English admiral Sir William Domville in 1899, and the property was originally known as Villa Domville. —Connor Sturges, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Apr. 2026

That originally belonged to the Vikings, who first sent it to Houston in 2024 for running back Cam Akers. —Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

The show was originally announced as being in development back in April 2023 and is co-created by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady. —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 26 Apr. 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