opprinnelig

Opprinnelig is a Norwegian adjective and adverb meaning original, initial, or pertaining to origin. As an adjective it describes something as existing from the beginning or in its first form, for example “den opprinnelige planen” (the original plan). As an adverb it means “originally,” used to indicate the initial circumstance or origin of something, for example “opprinnelig var han fra Oslo” (Originally he was from Oslo).

Etymology and forms: The word is formed from the prefix opp- meaning “up, forth” combined with a stem related to “prinn” meaning origin, plus the adjectival suffix -elig, yielding opprinnelig. The form reflects Germanic roots for origin and the common pattern of adjective formation in North Germanic languages. There are cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Danish oprindelig.

Usage notes: In modern Norwegian, opprinnelig is a common term and can contrast the first state or version with later changes. It can refer to things, ideas, plans, or people when indicating their origin or initial condition. It is generally interchangeable with phrases like “fra begynnelsen” in some contexts, but opprinnelig carries a stronger sense of the initial or original state rather than a merely early stage.

See also: opprinnelse, opprinnelighet. The noun opprinnelse means origin or source, while opprinnelighet refers to the quality of being original or of original form.