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

Climate change was considered a factor in the December 2021 wildfire that destroyed Somauroo's home, after the county's suit was originally filed. — Lindsay Whitehurst, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

Built in 1784, the home was originally occupied by a prominent Salem merchant dealing in rum and Sumatran pepper. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026

Now performing in Macklemore’s slot — the rapper was originally booked to open the Atlanta show — Slade talked about both taking sides and finding middle ground. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2026

Climate change was considered a factor in the 2021 Marshall Fire that destroyed Somauroo’s home, after the county's suit was originally filed. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 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