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original Definition

origi·nal (ə rij′i nəl)

adjective

  1. having to do with an origin; first; earliest
  2. never having occurred or existed before; fresh; new; novel
  3. capable of or given to inventing or creating something new, or thinking or acting in an independent, individual, fresh way
  4. coming from someone as the originator, maker, author, etc.
  5. being that from which reproductions, copies, etc. have been made

Etymology: OFr < L originalis

noun

  1. a pristine form or primary type that has given rise to varieties
  2. an original work, as of art or literature, as distinguished from a reproduction, copy, etc.
  3. the person or thing represented in a painting or the like
    1. a person with an original and creative mind
    2. Archaic an eccentric person
  5. Archaic an originator

Etymology: Fr < the adj.

original Synonyms

original

modif.

  1. Pertaining to the source

    primary, primeval, primordial, rudimentary, rudimental, aboriginal, elementary, inceptive, in embryo, fundamental, protogenic, primitive, initial, beginning, commencing, starting, opening, dawning, incipient; see also first 1.

    Antonyms late*, recent*, developed. *

  2. Creative

    originative, productive, causal, causative, generative, imaginative, inventive, innovative, ingenious, unconventional, constitutive, formative, demiurgic, resourceful, ready, quick, seminal, envisioning, sensitive, archetypal, inspiring, devising, conceiving, fertile, fictive, fashioning, molding.

    Antonyms stupid*, imitative*, unproductive. *

  3. Not copied

    first, new, fresh, novel, earliest, initial, primary, principal, genuine, firsthand, uncopied, underived, unused, independent, one, sole, lone, single, solitary, neoteric, authentic, pure, new-fashioned, untranslated, nonimitative, unexampled, elemental, real, absolute; see also unique 1, unusual 1, 2.

    Antonyms imitated*, copied*, repeated. See syn. study at new.new.

original Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • keep: A copy must be placed on the officer's personal file, and the officer should keep the original in a safe place.
  • buy: Should you wish to purchase one of my paintings please go to the ' Buying Originals ' page to make an online payment.

Adjective modifier

  • true: As one of the links with the last century and a true original, he is sorely missed.
  • French: NSTC describes the French original as ' By Madame de *** ' .
  • English: Translated versions normally follow the English original by two to four weeks.

Modifies a noun

  • version: The original version includes only frogs: the version here has been expanded.
  • document: Any text effects used below are taken from the original document.
  • packaging: We require all returns to be unopened and in original packaging before crediting your account with the cost of the goods.
  • intention: But whatever was the original intention, wiser councils prevailed.
  • artwork: But now they are all available here on one CD complete with full liner notes, unpublished pictures and original label artwork.
  • feature: We have made every effort to retain many of the original features.

Modifying Another Word

  • highly: The participating makers have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this highly original exhibition.
  • truly: So much of Paris is so familiar that it seems hard to discover something truly original.
  • totally: This one wove seemingly discordant notes into a totally original tune.
  • utterly: Daring, utterly original and possessing a keen intelligence, Jim Sclavunos ' The Vanity Set demands your immediate attention.
  • completely: A completely original poem, whatever that is, might be unrecognizable.
  • officially: The Officially Original Loch Ness Monster Blog News & Views From the lochside Please read my disclaimer.

Noun used with modifier

wedding: Telephone: 0845 8382337 Wedding Originals I will paint a picture of your wedding reception venue, house or church.

Used with adjective complement

  • publish: The content varies according to the arrangement of the published original.
  • look: About half way up the wall face another slit is glazed and has an ogee head: it does not look original.