originally
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for originally, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — At first, or in the beginning, before things changed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use originally
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From original + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of originally →Frequently asked questions
What does “originally” mean?
The word “originally” means at first, or in the beginning, before things changed. In plain terms, how something was at the start, before later changes.
How do you pronounce “originally”?
“Originally” is pronounced uh-RIHJ-ih-nuh-lee (/əˈɹɪd͡ʒ.ɪ.nə.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “originally” in a sentence?
Here is “originally” used in a sentence: “The house was originally painted blue.”
What is another word for “originally”?
Words with a similar meaning to “originally” include initially and at the start.
What part of speech is “originally”?
“Originally” is an adverb.
Is “originally” a common word?
“Originally” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between originally and initially?
Both mean at the start, and often either works. The nuance is that originally stresses how things were at the source, usually implying they later changed — originally a barn. Initially simply marks the first stage of a sequence — initially confused, then calmer. Originally also signals where someone comes from, which initially does not.
What does 'originally from' mean?
Originally from tells you where a person or thing comes from — their birthplace or place of origin — even if they now live or belong somewhere else. She's originally from Ireland but lives in London means Ireland is where she started out. The phrase highlights roots rather than current location.
What is an example of originally in a sentence?
For instance: The building was originally a chapel, We originally planned to leave on Friday, or He is originally from Greece. Each looks back to how things stood at first — a first purpose, a first plan, or a place of origin — usually hinting that something has since changed.
What is the opposite of originally?
Words like eventually, ultimately, and finally point to how things ended up rather than how they began, so they work as natural opposites in many sentences. Originally a barn, it eventually became a home shows the contrast. Now or currently can also oppose originally by stressing the present state instead of the start.