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A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ərˈɪdʒɪnəl/
US
- /ərˈɪdʒənəl/
Meanings
Adjective
existing from the beginning or in the first form; not copied
new, distinctive, and not derivative in style or thought
Noun
the first form or source from which copies or later versions are made
an unusual or distinctive person
Beyond the definition
Think about the first version of a painting hanging in a museum. That is the original, not a copy. The word "original" describes something that came first, is real, and is often special because later versions come from it. It can refer to a creative work like a song, story, or painting, but also to the source of something, such as the original plan for a building. Sometimes, "original" simply means genuine, not fake or copied.
If you're described as "an original," it's high praise. It suggests you are unique, inventive, and do not just follow the crowd. A character in a novel who feels fresh and different, or a musician who creates a new sound, might be called original. The opposite is something copied or too heavily based on what others have already done.
The word "original" carries a lot of weight. At its core, it means existing before anything else of the same kind; being the first. This applies to everything from art and music ("the original manuscript of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony") to inventions ("the original design for the lightbulb"). When something is original, it's not a reproduction or imitation—it's the source, the root from which copies spring.
But "original" isn't just about being first. It also describes authenticity and genuineness. An original antique chair is valuable because it's not a modern replica; an original signature proves something wasn't forged. In this context, the word serves as a mark of legitimacy.
Beyond these concrete meanings, "original" can describe someone with a unique personality or way of thinking. To be called "an original" is to be praised for your individuality and creativity—for being different and inventive. Think of artists like Frida Kahlo or musicians like Jimi Hendrix; they were celebrated for their original styles that redefined their respective fields.
The concept of "original" also plays into ideas about authorship and ownership. We talk about the original author of a book or the original owner of a piece of land. So, whether you're talking about the first version of something, its authenticity, or someone's unique character, the word "original" speaks to beginnings, genuineness, and individuality. It's a powerful descriptor that celebrates what makes things truly special and distinct.
Examples
- 1
Return receipt
Keep your original receipt in case you need to return the jacket.
- 2
Film version
The movie is good, but I still prefer the original.
- 3
Earlier plan
We changed the time, but the original plan was to leave at seven.
- 4
House features
The house still has its original wooden floors.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Art object
The painting is an original, not a print.
- 6
Source text
Try to answer in your own words, not just copy the original sentence.
- 7
Founding members
The band got back together with all four original members.
- 8
Translation source
The book was translated from the original French.
- Patternthe original + language
the version in that language before translation
- 9
New idea
It was an original idea, but the team did not know how to use it.
- 10
Creative work
She is one of the most original designers working today.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- original version
- original text
- original owner
- original idea
Word family
Explore
- source material
- prototype
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- originalnounadjective
Forms
- originalspluralnounadjective