originally

[uh-rij-uh-nl-ee]

adverb

1. with respect to origin; by origin.

   Originally he came from California.

2. at the beginning; at first.

   Originally this was to be in three volumes.

3. in the first place; primarily.

   Originally nomads, they first learned agriculture from the missionaries.

4. in an original, novel, or distinctively individual manner.

   Originally planned houses are much in demand.

5. Archaic.,  from the beginning; from the first; inherently.

originally

/ əˈrɪdʒɪnəlɪ /

adverb

1. in the first place

2. in an original way

3. with reference to the origin or beginning

Word History and Origins

Origin of originally¹

First recorded in 1480–90; original + -ly

Example Sentences

The Bureau of Labor Statistics now says the country added less than half as many jobs as originally reported during a recent 12-month period.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The September jobs report, originally slated for Friday morning, was delayed because of the shutdown, and traders have raised bets on a lengthy stoppage.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Starbucks had originally planned to scale up the experiment to around a third of its U.S. stores by the end of September.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Last week she and other Hollywood figures announced that they are reviving the Committee for the First Amendment, originally founded in 1947 by a group including Ms. Fonda’s father, Henry.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

When they got to “Don’t Speak,” which was originally written by Eric but was later reworked by the band, Ferguson made a crucial observation and proclamation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• basically 
• formerly