original

/ə'ridʤənl/
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original

The artist proudly displays her original painting at the gallery.

Definition
  1. Adjective:

    • Being the first or earliest form of something; not copied or derived from something else: Describes something that is the source or model from which other things are made, or something that exists from the beginning.
    • New, inventive, or novel in character or style: Describes something that is fresh, creative, and not imitative of other works or ideas.
    • Direct and firsthand; not coming from an intermediate source: Describes information or material that comes directly from the primary source.
  2. Noun:

    • The first form or model from which copies are made: The thing that serves as the source or archetype for reproductions or adaptations.
    • A creation (e.g., a document, artwork, or recording) from which copies can be produced: The authentic, initial work.
Examples
  • Adjective:

    • The museum displays the original manuscript of the novel. (The first and authentic handwritten document.)
    • Her ideas are always so original and thought-provoking. (Her ideas are novel and creative.)
    • For your research, you must cite original sources, not summaries. (Firsthand, primary sources of information.)
  • Noun:

    • This is a replica; the original is in a vault. (The authentic, first-made object is stored securely.)
    • The film was good, but I prefer the original. (I prefer the first version of the film from which this was adapted.)
Advanced Usage
  • "In the original": In the language in which a work was first written.

    • She reads Tolstoy in the original. (She reads Tolstoy's works in the original Russian.)
  • "Original sin": (Theology) The state of sin believed to be inherited by all human beings as a consequence of Adam's disobedience.

    • The doctrine of original sin is central to some Christian teachings.
Variants and Related Words
  • Originally (adverb): From or in the beginning; in a novel or inventive manner.

    • The building was originally a factory.
    • The solution was originally conceived by a student.
  • Originality (noun): The quality of being novel, inventive, or unique.

    • The design was praised for its originality.
Synonyms
  • Adjective: First, earliest, initial, authentic, genuine, novel, innovative, creative, primary.
  • Noun: Archetype, prototype, master, authentic.
Antonyms
  • Adjective: Copied, derivative, unoriginal, imitative, secondary.
  • Noun: Copy, replica, reproduction, fake, forgery.
Related Phrases
  • The original and best: Used to emphasize that the first version of something is superior to later versions.

    • For many fans, the first album remains the original and best.
  • Original intent: The intended meaning of a law or document as understood by its authors at the time of its creation.

    • The judge considered the framers' original intent.
original

The artist proudly displays her original painting at the gallery.

Adjective
  1. not derived or copied or translated from something else; not an adaptation"
    • the play is original
    • he kept the original copy and gave her only a xerox
    • the translation misses much of the subtlety of the original French
  2. being or productive of something fresh and unusual; or being as first made or thought of
    • a truly original approach
    • with original music
    • an original mind
  3. (of e.g. information) not secondhand or by way of something intermediary
    • his work is based on only original, not secondary, sources
  4. preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
    • the original inhabitants of the Americas
    • the book still has its original binding
    • restored the house to its original condition
    • the original performance of the opera
    • the original cast
    • retracted his original statement
Noun
  1. something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies
    • this painting is a copy of the original
  2. an original creation (i.e., an audio recording) from which copies can be made