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

The pilot episode, originally airing as a standalone special, included some very special guests. —Angela Andaloro, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025

The cost was originally estimated in 2018 at $124 million, with a $100 million stake by the Indiana Department of Transportation and contributions of $12 million by Fishers and Hamilton County. —John Tuohy, IndyStar, 7 Aug. 2025

Lee originally nominated Jeffries, Keanu Soto and Kelley Jorgensen for eviction. —Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 7 Aug. 2025

This story was originally published in the June 1966 issue of Outdoor Life. —Anthony A. Ciuffa, Outdoor Life, 7 Aug. 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