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.

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