original
gb/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəl/ us/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəl/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
First and not a copy
Made or done first, not copied from something else.
Usage pattern:
an original [idea/design/work]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'original' with 'origin' (the place or start of something).
Synonyms
authentic (Implies being real or genuine, not fake, but may not always mean 'first'.)
Antonyms
copy (Something reproduced from an original, not the first version.)
Collocations
original idea
|original design
|original work
|original painting
Themes
art
|creativity
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- This is the original manuscript of the novel.
- Her original design won the competition.
- The painting is an original by Picasso.
Learner examples
- This is the original photo.
- I like your original idea.
- He wrote an original story.
adjective
B1
property
2
New and creative
New and different in a way that shows creativity.
Usage pattern:
an original [approach/solution/style]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'original' for anything they like, even if it is common or copied.
Synonyms
innovative (Highlights the introduction of new methods or ideas, often in a practical context.)
Antonyms
conventional (Follows traditional ways rather than creating new ones.)
Collocations
original approach
|original solution
|original style
Themes
creativity
|innovation
|arts_entertainment
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She has a very original approach to teaching.
- His work is always fresh and original.
- We need an original solution to this problem.
Learner examples
- This is an original way to cook pasta.
- He made an original game.
- She has an original style.
Noun
A2
entity
3
First form or version
The first version of something before copies are made.
Usage pattern:
the original of [something]
Synonyms
prototype (Usually refers to a first working model of a product, not art or documents.)
Antonyms
reproduction (A copy of an artwork or document, not the first one.)
Collocations
the original document
|the original painting
|keep the original
Themes
art
|documentation
|arts_entertainment
|technology
|work
Examples
- The museum owns the original of that famous painting.
- Please send me the original, not a photocopy.
- He still has the original of his birth certificate.
Learner examples
- I have the original paper.
- This is the original photo.
- We saw the original in the museum.
Noun
B2
entity
4
Person with creative ideas
A person who thinks or acts in a new and different way.
Synonyms
individualist (Emphasizes independence in thought or behavior, not necessarily creativity.)
Antonyms
imitator (Someone who copies others instead of creating something new.)
Collocations
a real original
Themes
creativity
|work
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- She's a real original in the fashion world.
- Only an original could come up with such an idea.
- He was an original among his peers.
Learner examples
- She is a real original.
- He is an original in music.
- My teacher is an original.
Grammar
Dictionary form
original
IPA
GB/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəl/
US/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəl/
Syllables & stress
ori - gin - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ori)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: original
Noun
- Base: original
- Plural: originals
Word family
Forms
originals
noun
Core family
Related words
originate
verb B1
Negative and opposite forms
unoriginal
adjective
Expressions
in the original
1/ˈɪn ðə ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəl/
fixed phrase
In its first language or form
In its first language or form, without change or translation.
Examples
- I prefer to read the book in the original.
- We watched the movie in the original, without dubbing.
originally from
1/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəli fɹˈʌm/
fixed phrase
Born or coming from a place
Used to say where someone or something started or came from.
Examples
- She is originally from Brazil but now lives in Italy.
- This wine is originally from France.
originally from
2/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəli fɹˈʌm/
fixed phrase
Born or created in a place
Used to say where someone was born or where something started.
Examples
- She is originally from Canada but now lives in Australia.
- This recipe is originally from Italy.