original
original
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "original" is /əˈrɪdʒənəl/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
o /ə/: A schwa sound, like the "a" in "about."
rig /ˈrɪdʒ/: A stressed syllable.
/r/: The "r" sound.
/ɪ/: The short "i" sound, as in "bit."
/dʒ/: The "j" sound, as in "judge."
i /ə/: A schwa sound, like the "a" in "about."
nal /nəl/:
/n/: The "n" sound.
/ə/: A schwa sound, like the "a" in "about."
/l/: The "l" sound.
Word Form Variations
original (adjective or noun)
originals (plural noun)
originally (adverb)
originality (noun)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective:
Definition: Existing or occurring first; being the earliest of its kind. Also, novel or innovative.
Synonyms: First, initial, primary, novel, innovative, creative, groundbreaking, authentic, genuine.
Antonyms: Last, final, secondary, derivative, unoriginal, copied, imitative, fake, counterfeit.
Example: "This is the original manuscript of the novel." / "She had an original approach to the problem."
Noun:
Definition: The first or earliest form of something from which copies are made. Also, a unique or genuine example.
Synonyms: Prototype, archetype, model, source, first copy, masterpiece, genuine article.
Antonyms: Copy, reproduction, duplicate, imitation, forgery, fake.
Example: "The museum displays the original of the famous sculpture." / "He collected originals of classic comic books."
Adverb:
Definition: From the beginning; initially. Also, in an original or novel manner.
Synonyms: Initially, at first, primarily, fundamentally, creatively, innovatively.
Antonyms: Finally, ultimately, subsequently, derivatively, imitatively.
Example: "The house was originally a small cottage." / "She decorated the room originally, using unusual fabrics and colors."
Noun (plural - originals):
Definition: Multiple first or earliest forms of something, or multiple unique/genuine examples.
Synonyms: First editions, prototypes, archetypes, genuine articles, master copies.
Antonyms: Copies, reproductions, duplicates, imitations, forgeries.
Example: "The gallery exhibited several originals by the artist."
Examples of Use
Books:
"The original manuscript, penned in the author's own hand, was recently discovered in a private collection." (Fictional example, mimicking a book description)
"He argued that the original intent of the Constitution had been misinterpreted over time." (Hypothetical example, reflecting common historical/legal discussions)
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The company unveiled its original design for the new electric vehicle." (News article about product launches) (Hypothetical example)
"Researchers have discovered the original source of the Nile River." (Scientific news article) (Hypothetical example)
"The artist's work is celebrated for its originality and bold use of color." (Art review) (Hypothetical example)
"This is an original recipe I developed myself." (Food blog) (Hypothetical example)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"The film is a remake of an original Japanese horror movie." (Film review/discussion) (Hypothetical example)
"This song is an original composition by the band." (Music review/interview) (Hypothetical example)
"He's known for his original stand-up comedy routines." (Comedy show promotion) (Hypothetical example)
"The game features an original storyline and characters." (Video game review) (Hypothetical example)
General Public Discourse:
"I'm looking for an original gift for my friend's birthday." (Everyday conversation)
"That's an original idea! I've never heard of that before." (Everyday conversation)
"This is an original painting, not a print." (Art market/discussion)
"He claims to have the original recording of the concert." (Music fandom)
"We need to find an original solution to this problem." (Business/political discussion)
10 Famous Quotes Using Original
"The merit of originality is not novelty; it is sincerity." — Thomas Carlyle
"Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. Be original." — Oscar Wilde
"An original idea is just one well-expressed feeling." — Ray Bradbury
"Original minds are not afraid of being misunderstood." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration." — Jim Jarmusch
"Original doesn’t mean never seen—it means never seen your way." — Austin Kleon
"All profound truths begin as blasphemies—or original thoughts." — George Bernard Shaw
"If you want to be original, be prepared to be copied." — Coco Chanel
"The most original thing you can do is be authentically you." — Anonymous
"Originality lives at the edge of discomfort." — Elizabeth Gilbert
Etymology
Let's break down the word "original" and where it comes from. It's like tracing a family tree for words!
"Original" comes from the Latin word "originalis." Think of "originalis" as the great-grandparent of our word. "Originalis," in turn, has its roots in "origo," which means "source," "beginning," or "origin." Imagine "origo" as the grandparent.
Going further back, "origo" is related to the verb "oriri," meaning "to rise," "to arise," or "to be born." This is like the great-great-grandparent, suggesting the very first appearance of something.
So, the path looks like this:
oriri (to rise, be born) ->
origo (source, beginning) ->
originalis (original) ->
original (in English)
The first known use of "original" in English, according to historical records, was around the 14th century. Back then, it had pretty much the same meaning it does today: "pertaining to the beginning or first appearance of something." It was used to describe things that were the very first of their kind, the source from which copies or later versions came.
In simpler terms, "original" is all about something's start. It's about where it came from, its very first form, or its unique and uncopied nature. It carries the idea of being the source of something, not a copy or imitation.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Original
Phrases using "original":
Original sin: This is a theological concept, not a casual phrase, referring to the first sin of humanity.
Original thought/idea: This phrase simply emphasizes the novelty of an idea.
Original artwork/manuscript: These phrases specify that a piece of art or writing is the first version, not a copy.
Original condition: This phrase means something is in the same state it was when first produced.
Why "original" is less common in idioms:
As mentioned, "original" already has a clear and direct meaning. Idioms often arise to express abstract or complex ideas in a more colorful or figurative way. "Original" is already fairly straightforward. Also, many idioms develop over long periods of informal use, and "original" might be considered a more formal word, less likely to be used in that way.
Phrases using synonyms or related concepts:
From the ground up: (Implies building something entirely new and original)
Fresh perspective: (Similar to an original idea)
Cutting edge: (Relates to innovative and original approaches)
One of a kind: (Emphasizes uniqueness, like an original)
Think outside the box: (Encourages original thought)
Blazing a trail: (Pioneering, doing something original)
First of its kind: (Directly related to "original")
Setting the standard: (Often done through original work)
Original phrases (for illustrative purposes):
"That's an original take on making coffee!" (A new or unique method)
"She's got an original style, mixing vintage and modern pieces." (Unique fashion)
While "original" itself may not be the star of many idioms, the concepts it represents – novelty, innovation, and uniqueness – are frequently expressed through other phrases and idioms.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of original from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
