adj
original
uh-RIHJ-ih-nuhl
adj
1
The first of its kind, existing before any copies.
"This is the original painting — the one in the gallery is a copy."
2
Fresh, inventive, and not copied from anything else.
"The band's original songs are far better than their covers."
noun
1
The very first version of something, from which copies are made.
"Please keep the original and send us a scanned copy."
2
An unusually distinctive or eccentric person.
"Her grandfather was a real original, always full of odd stories."
How to Use Original
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe first, real, or genuinely inventive version of something — not a copy or imitation.
Common pairings
original copy
original idea
the original version
Word Forms
more original comparative, originals plural, most original superlative
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Etymology
From Latin originalis, "primitive, original," from origo, "beginning."