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

David Lindsay-Abaire originally wrote this dramatic story of a woman whose body ages at over four times the normal rate as a non-musical play in 2001. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026

The Philly show was originally scheduled for Friday, May 8. —Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 3 May 2026

This editorial is adapted from one that originally appeared in the Virginian Pilot and Daily Press. —The Virginian Pilot and Daily Press Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026

The rise in sales is coming despite the disappearance of federal tax credits for purchasing new or used EVs created by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and originally scheduled to remain in place through 2032. —Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 3 May 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