originally

originally — adverb

1. in an earlier state, time, or plan, before later changes happened

1.adverbB2
Definition

in an earlier state, time, or plan, before later changes happened

Example

The cafe was originally a train station beside the river.

be originally + noun for an earlier identity

Mina originally planned a beach trip for her birthday weekend.

originally + planned for an earlier intention

Common collocations
  • originally planned
  • originally built as
  • originally written in
  • originally meant for
Synonyms
  • initially

    very close in meaning, but often sounds a little more formal

  • at first

    common when a feeling or opinion later changes

  • previously

    means before now, but does not always stress a later change

Antonyms
  • currently

    focuses on the present state rather than the earlier one

  • now

    the simple everyday opposite in time focus

Grammar Patterns

originally + past verb

be originally + noun phrase

originally planned to + verb

Usage Note

Often comes before the main verb or after be: originally planned, was originally a station. It usually points back to an earlier plan, purpose, or form that changed later.

Common Mistakes

Originally, wash the rice, then add water.
First, wash the rice, then add water.
'originally' looks back to an earlier state or plan; 'first' gives the opening step in a sequence.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

For this sense, originally points to an earlier state, plan, or form before a later change. Initially is close, but it is a little more formal and is common in reports or explanations. At first often introduces a first feeling or choice that later changes, especially before a contrast. First is different because it marks order in a list or set of steps, not an earlier version of something. Previously simply means before now and may not suggest that anything changed. Say The cafe was originally a station when the place later became something else. Say First, open the box when you are giving instructions.

originally ↗initially ↗at firstfirst ↗previously ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • originally planned
  • originally built as
  • originally written in

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Originally is formed from original and the adverb ending -ly. Original came into English through French from Latin originalis, which is related to origo, meaning a beginning or source. That history matches the modern use of originally for an earlier form or starting point.