Meaning of original In English

• 0 existing since the beginning, or being the earliest form of something:

  • Is this the original fireplace?

  • The gardens have recently been restored to their original glory.

  • an original drawing/manuscript

  • Is this an original Rembrandt? (= Was it painted by him?)

• 1 not the same as anything or anyone else and therefore special and interesting:

  • original ideas/suggestions/work

  • She's a highly original young designer.

• 2 the first one made and not a copy:

  • Can you give me the original of your report? I can't read this copy.

  • If the painting is an original, it will be very valuable.

• 3 the first one made and not a copy:

  • Send a copy of your receipt, but keep the original.

• 4 in the earliest form of something, or in the form that existed at the beginning:

  • The original plans have been changed.

  • Our teacher said we’d better come up with something original.

• 5 spoken, written, or existing first:

  • The final cost was much greater than the contractor's original estimate.

  • We have more than doubled our original investment.

  • His original plan was to stay two to three years, but he loved the job so much that he has never left.

  • Please do not send original documents with your application.

• 6 not the same as anything or anyone else and for that reason special and interesting:

  • original idea/suggestion, etc. We need some original ideas that will increase sales.

  • She's a highly original young designer.

• 7 the first one made and not a copy:

  • Can you let me have the original of your report?

  • Sign the original and return it to us, keeping the copy for your records.

  • The new version is worse in every respect - I much preferred the original.