originally
English meaning: Originally
Definition
As it was in the beginning.
Example
“Originally, this paper was white, but over the years it has yellowed with age.”
Another example: “The cathedral was originally built as a small parish church.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Neutral and common; an adverb meaning at first, in the beginning, or by origin (originally from Spain). Used in everyday and formal writing to contrast past with present. Often placed at the start of a clause.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'original' (from Latin 'originalis', from 'origo', a beginning) plus '-ly'; the adverb dates from the 15th century.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
- finally
- ultimately
- subsequently
Related Words
Common Collocations
- originally planned
- originally from
- originally intended
- originally designed
- originally built
- originally scheduled
Word Forms
originally (adv); original (adj/n); origin (n); originate (v)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B