original Meaning & Definition
What Does Original Mean?
Original is an adjective that means Relating to the origin or beginning; preceding all others. It can also mean First in a series of copies or versions. As a noun, it means An object or other creation (e.g. narrative work) from which all later copies and variations are derived. As a noun, it means A person with a unique and interesting personality and/or creative talent.
Original: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /əˈɹɪd͡ʒ.ɪ.nəl/ |
| Syllables | 4 |
| Synonyms | free, novel and archetype |
| Antonyms | unoriginal, copy and reproduction |
| Plural | originals |
| Comparative / superlative | more original, most original |
Original Definition (Adjective)
- Relating to the origin or beginning; preceding all others.
the original state of mankind; the original laws of a country; the original inventor of a process
- First in a series of copies or versions.
The original manuscript contained spelling errors which were fixed in later versions.
- Newly created.
Tonight we will hear an original work by one of our best composers.
- Fresh, different.
The paper contains a number of original ideas about color perception.
- Pioneering.
Parker was one of the original bebop players.
- Having a specified place or time as its origin.
This kind of barbecue is original to North Carolina.
- Unseasoned, unflavored, plain, or having a standard or typical flavor; classic, traditional
Original as a Noun
- An object or other creation (e.g. narrative work) from which all later copies and variations are derived.
This manuscript is the original.
- A person with a unique and interesting personality or creative talent.
- An eccentric person.
- A newly designed garment released by a fashion designer as part of a collection.
- A ridgeling.
Noun
- A person with a unique and interesting personality and/or creative talent
You’re a real original.
- An eccentric
Adjective
- First in a series or copies/versions
The original manuscript contained spelling errors which were fixed in later versions.
- Having as its origin
This kind of barbecue is original to North Carolina.
Synonyms of Original
Antonyms of Original
Original in a Sentence
the original state of mankind; the original laws of a country; the original inventor of a process
The original manuscript contained spelling errors which were fixed in later versions.
This recording is by the original broadway cast.
Tonight we will hear an original work by one of our best composers.
The paper contains a number of original ideas about color perception.
Parker was one of the original bebop players.
This kind of barbecue is original to North Carolina.
This manuscript is the original.
You’re a real original.
Word Forms & Grammar
original (comparative more original, superlative most original)
original (plural originals)
Words That Rhyme With Original
Origin of Original
From Middle English original, from Old French original, from Late Latin orīginālis (“primitive, original”), from Latin orīgō (“beginning, source, origin”), equivalent to origin + -al; see origin.
Original Pronunciation
Original is pronounced /əˈɹɪd͡ʒ.ɪ.nəl/ and has 4 syllables, with the main stress on the second syllable (ɹɪd͡ʒ).
Common Questions About Original
Is original an adjective or a noun?
Original is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for original?
Close synonyms of original are free, novel and archetype. See the full list of original synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of original?
Words opposite in meaning to original are unoriginal, copy, reproduction and simile.
What is the plural of original?
The plural of original is originals.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of original?
The comparative form is more original and the superlative form is most original.