rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryoriginalFirst or earliest
adjective / noun

original

uh-RIJ-uh-nl/əˈrɪdʒənl/

Existing first, before subsequent versions or copies.

The original brick cottage forms the center of the larger house.

A text-free paired view of the same house: first a small brick cottage alone, then that exact cottage retained as the central part of a larger house with newer side extensions.
Etymology
originLatinbeginning, source, birth
+alLatinpertaining to

The base meaning “beginning” makes original something belonging to the first stage. In this sense, it describes what was present at the outset rather than something added or developed later.

In context

Wealth and Estate Planners0:22
A codisil is a legal document that makes changes or additions to your existing will. When it's done correctly, it becomes part of your original will and holds the same legal power.
How Does A Codicil Affect Your Will's Validity? - Wealth and Estate Planners

More examples

  • Our original plan was to leave on Monday.
  • Keep the original and send me a copy.
  • These scans are clearer than the faded originals.

Forms

original · originals

originally adverb — At first, before later changes occurred.

origin noun — The beginning or source of something.

Similar words

first
Marks order in a sequence, not necessarily a source.
initial
Emphasizes a beginning stage rather than the source of copies.