What does "original" mean?
An object or other creation (e.g. narrative work) from which all later copies and variations are derived.
Original
/əˈɹɪd͡ʒ.ɪ.nəl/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An object or other creation (e.g. narrative work) from which all later copies and variations are derived.
- Grammar: original is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: ab ovo, abecedarian, aboriginal, actual.
- Useful contrasts: copy, derivative, hackneyed.
- Usage evidence: In order to keep his original idea from being copied, Henry resorted to reticence.
How to use "original"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "original" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "original" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "original" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "original" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "original" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ab ovo" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "original", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An object or other creation (e.g. narrative work) from which all later copies and variations are derived.
"This manuscript is the original."
- 2 an original creation (i.e., an audio recording) from which copies can be made wordnet
- 3 A person with a unique and interesting personality or creative talent.
"I have a great mind to be in Print; but above all, I would fain be an Original, and that is a true Comical Thought: When all the Learned Men in the World are but Tranſlators, is it not a Pleaſant Jeſt, that you ſhould ſtrive to be an Original! You ſhould have obſerved your Time, and have come into the World with the Ancient Greeks for that purpoſe; for the Latines themſelves are but Copies."
- 4 something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies wordnet
- 5 An eccentric person. archaic
"‘Are you an alienist?’ I interrupted. ‘Every doctor should be - a little,’ answered that original, imperturbably."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A newly designed garment released by a fashion designer as part of a collection.
"Fashion Fair will give every section first hand knowledge of the latest originals and 1962-63's exciting trends."
- 7 A ridgeling.
Adjective
- 1 Relating to the origin or beginning; preceding all others. not-comparable
"the original state of mankind; the original laws of a country; the original inventor of a process"
- 2 First in a series of copies or versions. not-comparable
"The original manuscript contained spelling errors which were fixed in later versions."
- 3 Newly created. not-comparable
"Tonight we will hear an original work by one of our best composers."
- 4 Fresh, different. comparable
"The paper contains a number of original ideas about color perception."
- 5 Pioneering. not-comparable
"Parker was one of the original bebop players."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 Having a specified place or time as its origin. not-comparable
"This kind of barbecue is original to North Carolina."
- 7 Seasoned with salt but no other flavoring; ready salted
Adjective
- 1 not derived or copied or translated from something else wordnet
- 2 preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed wordnet
- 3 being or productive of something fresh and unusual; or being as first made or thought of wordnet
- 4 (of e.g. information) not secondhand or by way of something intermediary wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"In order to keep his original idea from being copied, Henry resorted to reticence."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "original"?
Common synonyms include: ab ovo, abecedarian, aboriginal, actual, advanced, alien.
How do you use "original" in a sentence?
In order to keep his original idea from being copied, Henry resorted to reticence.
How do you pronounce "original"?
Pronounced /əˈɹɪd͡ʒ.ɪ.nəl/.
Etymology
From Middle English original, from Old French original, from Late Latin orīginālis (“primitive, original”), from Latin orīgō (“beginning, source, origin”); see origin.