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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.

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.

Adjective modifier

  • true: As one of the links with the last century and a true original, he is sorely missed.

Modifies a noun

  • version: The original version includes only frogs: the version here has been expanded.

Modifying Another Word

  • highly: The participating makers have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this highly original exhibition.

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.
original usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

original quotes

The spacious firmament on high, With all the blue ethereal sky, And spangled heavens, a shining frame, Their great Original proclaim. Th'unwearied sun from day to day Does his Creator's power display; And publishes to every land The work of an Almighty hand.

-Addison,Joseph

A lotta cats copy theMona Lisa, but peoplestill lineupto see the original.

-Armstrong, Louis known as Satchmo

Sometimes, in order to imitate the original, it is necessary toput something that isnot inthe original into a portrait in marble.

-Bernini, Gianlorenzo

original quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
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  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/original

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