originally
gb/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəli/ us/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəli/
B1
English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
At first; in the beginning
Used to talk about how something was at the start, before it changed.
Usage pattern:
originally [verb/phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'originally' with 'original', using the adjective form incorrectly in place of the adverb.
Synonyms
initially (Very close in meaning, but often more formal and used in structured contexts.)
|
at first (More informal and conversational than 'originally'.)
Antonyms
finally (Expresses the end rather than the beginning of a process or situation.)
Collocations
originally from
|originally built
|originally intended
Themes
time
|history
|biography
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The building was originally a factory before becoming a museum.
- She originally planned to study medicine but chose law instead.
- This recipe was originally from my grandmother.
- The book was originally published in French.
- He’s originally from Canada but now lives in Spain.
Learner examples
- I am originally from Japan.
- This house was originally small.
- She originally wanted to be a teacher.
- The park was originally a farm.
- He originally lived in London.
adverb
B2
property
2
In a unique or creative way
In a way that is new and different from others.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with meaning 'at first', but here it refers to being creative or unique.
Synonyms
creatively (Focuses on imagination and inventiveness rather than just being first.)
Antonyms
imitatively (Done by copying something else rather than creating something new.)
Collocations
originally written
|originally designed
|originally conceived
Themes
creativity
|art
|communication
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The artist painted the scene originally, adding her own style.
- He approached the problem originally, avoiding standard solutions.
- The story was told quite originally, with unexpected twists.
Learner examples
- She wrote the song originally.
- He decorated his room originally.
- They solved the problem originally.
Grammar
Dictionary form
originally
IPA
GB/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəli/
US/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəli/
Syllables & stress
ori - gin - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ori)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: originally
- Plural: originallies
Word family
Forms
originallies
noun
Related words
originate
verb B1
originality
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unoriginal
adjective
Expressions
originally built
1/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəli bˈɪlt/
fixed phrase
Constructed for first purpose
Used to say what something was made for when it was first built.
Examples
- The stadium was originally built for the Olympics.
- This bridge was originally built in 1920.
originally intended
1/ɚˈɪd͡ʒənəli ɪntˈɛndɪd/
fixed phrase
Planned at first
Used to talk about what was planned before any changes happened.
Examples
- The trip was originally intended as a surprise.
- The project was originally intended to last two months.
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.