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

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

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

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.

Mar 11, 2026 · Adverb originally (comparative more originally, superlative most originally) (not comparable) As it was in the beginning; at first.

ORIGINALLY definition: with respect to origin; by origin. See examples of originally used in a sentence.

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026 o•rig•i•nal•ly /əˈrɪdʒənəli/ adv. by origin: My husband's family was originally French Canadian. at first: Originally …

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.

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.

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