The meaning of ORIGINALLY is by origin or derivation : inherently. How to use originally in a sentence.

ORIGINALLY meaning: 1. first of all: 2. first of all: 3. in the beginning; when something first existed: . Learn more.

ORIGINALLY meaning: 1 : in the beginning when something first happened or began; 2 : in a new, fresh, or original way

Definition of originally adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the adverb originally, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Dec 14, 2025 · originally (comparative more originally, superlative most originally) (not comparable) As it was in the beginning; at first. quotations

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025 o•rig•i•nal•ly /əˈrɪdʒənəli/ adv. by origin: My husband's family was originally French Canadian. at first: Originally …

/əˈrɪdʒɪnəli/ /əˈrɪdʒənəli/ IPA guide Definitions of originally adverb with reference to the origin or beginning synonyms: in the beginning, primitively

1. With reference to origin: originally named Johnston. 2. At first: not what I had originally expected. 3. In a highly distinctive manner: interpreted the flute solo most originally.

When you say what happened or was the case originally, you are saying what happened or was the case when something began or came into existence, often to contrast it with what happened later.