original Definition
origi·nal (ə rij′i nəl)
adjective
- having to do with an origin; first; earliest
- never having occurred or existed before; fresh; new; novel
- capable of or given to inventing or creating something new, or thinking or acting in an independent, individual, fresh way
- coming from someone as the originator, maker, author, etc.
- being that from which reproductions, copies, etc. have been made
Etymology: OFr < L originalis
noun
- a pristine form or primary type that has given rise to varieties
- an original work, as of art or literature, as distinguished from a reproduction, copy, etc.
- the person or thing represented in a painting or the like
- a person with an original and creative mind
- Archaic an eccentric person
- Archaic an originator
Etymology: Fr < the adj.
original Synonyms
original
modif.
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. * 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. * 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
Browse dictionary entries near original
- ‹ origin
- ‹ Origen
- ‹ origami
- ‹ orig
- ‹ oriflamme
- ‹ orifice
- ‹ orienteering
- ‹ orientation
- ‹ orientate
- ‹ Orientalize

