Reading Theme:
Original: Definition, Examples & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：not copied, innovative (original)
original
/əˈrɪdʒənl/
adj.
Something that is new, interesting, and not copied from something else.
not copied, innovative
➕
/nɒt ˈkɒpɪd, ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/
adj.
Refers to something that is created first, showing new and independent thought, and not derived from something else.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'originem' (beginning, source) + suffix '-al' (relating to).
💡 Mnemonic
ORIGIN-AL: Think of the ORIGIN of an idea – the first and source version.
📖 Example
Her dress design was so original that it won the top prize at the fashion show.
Her dress design was so innovative and unique that it won the top prize at the fashion show.
🔗 Collocations
original idea – a thought or concept that is new and not borrowed
original work – a piece of art, writing, or music created independently
highly original – very innovative and creative
🔄 Synonyms
creative (adj.) – involving imagination or original ideas
innovative (adj.) – featuring new methods or ideas
novel (adj.) – new and different from what has been known before
🚫 Antonyms
derivative (adj.) – copied or adapted from another source
unoriginal (adj.) – lacking originality; copied
imitative (adj.) – copying the style of someone or something else
🌱 Derivatives
originality (n.) – the quality of being novel or unique
originally (adv.) – in the first instance; at the beginning
📖 Cultural Story
The term originates from Latin 'originalis', from 'origin-' meaning 'beginning'. It entered English in the 14th century. In modern culture, it's crucial in intellectual property and art, signifying the first and authentic creation as opposed to copies or imitations.
Meaning 2：first, authentic version (original)
original
/əˈrɪdʒənl/
adj.
The first one that was made, not a copy or a later version.
first, authentic version
➕
/fɜːst, ɔːˈθɛntɪk ˈvɜːʒən/
adj.
Refers to the initial, authentic version of something, from which copies or later versions are made.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
We visited the house where the author wrote the original manuscript of her famous novel.
We visited the house where the author wrote the first and authentic manuscript of her famous novel.
🔗 Collocations
original version – the first and authentic form of something
original owner – the first person to possess something
original intent – the initial purpose or meaning
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
copy (n.) – a thing made to be similar or identical to another
reproduction (n.) – a copy of a work of art or other item
fake (adj.) – not genuine; counterfeit
Wordbook
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