Original vs. Initial — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
Original refers to something authentic and first of its kind; initial denotes the beginning or first stage of something.
Difference Between Original and Initial
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "original" implies authenticity and being the first of its kind, suggesting a creation that hasn't been copied or derived from something else. In contrast, "initial" relates to the beginning phase or the first step in a sequence of events or processes.
Original works of art hold unique value and are often irreplaceable, whereas initial sketches may serve as preliminary steps before the final piece is completed.
Original ideas are praised for their creativity and uniqueness, while initial ideas may simply mark the starting point of brainstorming or development.
In legal or historical contexts, an original document is considered a primary source with legal authority or historical significance, whereas an initial document might be an early draft or proposal with no finalized status.
Technologically, an original product represents a new innovation or design, distinguishing it from subsequent versions or iterations, whereas an initial release of a product might have limited features that are expanded in later versions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Authentic and first of its kind.
Refers to the beginning or start.
Context of Use
Art, ideas, products.
Stages, phases, drafts.
Value
High due to uniqueness.
Contextual, often less.
Legal Implication
Holds primary authority.
May lack completeness or power.
Technological Use
Pertains to innovation and uniqueness.
Often associated with prototypes or first drafts.
Compare with Definitions
Original
Authentic and genuine.
The painting was confirmed as an original Van Gogh.
Initial
The first letter of a name.
She embroidered her initials on her towels.
Original
Not derivative or copied.
She prides herself on her original jewelry designs.
Initial
Occurring at the beginning.
His initial reaction was of surprise.
Original
Pertaining to the source or beginning.
The original manuscript is stored in the museum.
Initial
First in a series.
The initial symptoms of the illness are mild.
Original
Existing from the start.
The original inhabitants of the region were nomadic tribes.
Initial
Preliminary or introductory.
The initial meeting was merely informational.
Original
Innovative or novel.
His approach to science was highly original.
Initial
Pertaining to the first stage.
The initial phase of the project involves research.
Original
Present or existing from the beginning; first or earliest
The plasterwork is probably original
The original owner of the house
Initial
In a written or published work, an initial or drop cap is a letter at the beginning of a word, a chapter, or a paragraph that is larger than the rest of the text. The word is derived from the Latin initialis, which means standing at the beginning.
Original
Created personally by a particular artist, writer, musician, etc.; not a copy
Original Rembrandts
Initial
Of, relating to, or occurring at the beginning; first
Took the initial step toward peace.
Original
Not dependent on other people's ideas; inventive or novel
A subtle and original thinker
Initial
Designating the first letter or letters of a word.
Original
The earliest form of something, from which copies may be made
One set of originals and four photocopies
The portrait may be a copy of the original
Initial
The first letter of a proper name.
Original
An eccentric or unusual person
He was one of the true originals
Initial
Initials The first letter of each word of a person's full name considered as a unit
Stationery monogrammed with her initials.
Original
Preceding all others in time; first
Who played the original Dracula?.
Initial
The first letter of a word.
Original
Not derived from something else; fresh and unusual
An original play, not an adaptation.
Initial
A large, often highly decorated letter set at the beginning of a chapter, verse, or paragraph.
Original
Showing a marked departure from previous practice; new
A truly original approach.
Initial
To mark or sign with initials, especially for purposes of authorization or approval.
Original
Productive of new things or new ideas; inventive
An original mind.
Initial
Chronologically first, early; of or pertaining to the beginning, cause or origin.
Our initial admiration for their efficiency gave way to disgust about their methods.
The initial stages of a syndrome may differ vastly from the final symptoms.
Original
Being the source from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made.
Initial
Spatially first, placed at the beginning, in the first position; especially said of the first letter of a word.
The initial letter of names is usually printed with a capital letter.
Original
A first form or model from which others are made or developed
Later versions of the car retained key features of the original.
Initial
The first letter of a word or a name.
Original
An authentic work of art
Bought an original, not a print.
Initial
In plural, the first letter of each word of a person's full name considered as a unit.
You can get your initials printed at the top.
Original
A work that has been composed firsthand or used to make a copy, reproduction, or translation
Kept the original but sent a photocopy to his publisher.
Initial
A distinguished initial letter of a chapter or section of a document.
Original
A person with a creative or unusual personality.
Initial
(phonology) onset, part of a syllable that precedes the syllable nucleus in phonetics and phonology.
Original
A person who is appealingly odd or curious; a character.
Initial
(transitive) To sign one's initial(s), as an abbreviated signature.
Please initial each page and sign the contract in full at the bottom.
Original
(Archaic) The source from which something arises; an originator.
Initial
Of or pertaining to the beginning; marking the commencement; incipient; commencing; as, the initial symptoms of a disease.
Original
(not comparable) Relating to the origin or beginning; preceding all others.
The original state of mankind;
The original laws of a country;
The original inventor of a process
Initial
Placed at the beginning; standing at the head, as of a list or series; as, the initial letters of a name.
Original
(not comparable) First in a series of copies or versions.
The original manuscript contained spelling errors which were fixed in later versions.
This recording is by the original broadway cast.
Initial
The first letter of a word or a name.
Original
(not comparable) Newly created.
Tonight we will hear an original work by one of our best composers.
Initial
To put an initial to; to mark with an initial of initials.
Original
(comparable) Fresh, different.
The paper contains a number of original ideas about color perception.
Initial
The first letter of a word (especially a person's name);
He refused to put the initials FRS after his name
Original
(not comparable) Pioneering.
Parker was one of the original bebop players.
Initial
Mark with one's initials
Original
(not comparable) Having a specified place or time as its origin.
This kind of barbecue is original to North Carolina.
Initial
Occurring at the beginning;
Took the initial step toward reconciliation
Original
An object or other creation (e.g. narrative work) from which all later copies and variations are derived.
This manuscript is the original.
Original
A person with a unique and interesting personality or creative talent.
Original
(archaic) An eccentric person.
Original
A newly designed garment released by a fashion designer as part of a collection.
Original
A ridgeling.
Original
Pertaining to the origin or beginning; preceding all others; first in order; primitive; primary; pristine; as, the original state of man; the original laws of a country; the original inventor of a process.
His form had yet not lostAll her original brightness.
Original
Not copied, imitated, or translated; new; fresh; genuine; as, an original thought; an original process; the original text of Scripture.
Original
Having the power to suggest new thoughts or combinations of thought; inventive; as, an original genius.
Original
Before unused or unknown; new; as, a book full of original matter.
Original
Origin; commencement; source.
It hath it original from much grief.
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,Their great Original proclaim.
Original
That which precedes all others of its class; archetype; first copy; hence, an original work of art, manuscript, text, and the like, as distinguished from a copy, translation, etc.
The Scriptures may be now read in their own original.
Original
An original thinker or writer; an originator.
Men who are bad at copying, yet are good originals.
Original
A person of marked eccentricity.
Original
The natural or wild species from which a domesticated or cultivated variety has been derived; as, the wolf is thought by some to be the original of the dog, the blackthorn the original of the plum.
Original
An original creation (i.e., an audio recording) from which copies can be made
Original
An original model on which something is patterned
Original
Preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed;
The original inhabitants of the Americas
The book still has its original binding
Restored the house to its original condition
The original performance of the opera
The original cast
Retracted his original statement
Original
(of e.g. information) not secondhand or by way of something intermediary;
His work is based on only original, not secondary, sources
Original
Being or productive of something fresh and unusual; or being as first made or thought of;
A truly original approach
With original music
An original mind
Original
Not derived or copied or translated from something else;
The play is original; not an adaptation
He kept the original copy and gave her only a xerox
The translation misses much of the subtlety of the original French
Common Curiosities
Can "initial" refer to time as well as order?
Yes, "initial" can refer to both the first time something occurs and the first position in a sequence.
How do copyright laws treat original works?
Copyright laws protect original works by giving the creator exclusive rights to their use and distribution.
What is an example of an initial effort in a new job?
An initial effort might be the first project or task assigned to a new employee.
Can a product be both original and initial?
Yes, a product can be both original if it's innovative and initial if it's the first version released.
What is the difference between initial interest and sustained interest?
Initial interest is the first level of curiosity or engagement, while sustained interest continues over time.
How do original and initial relate to historical documents?
An original historical document is the primary source, while an initial document could be an early draft or preliminary version.
How do you identify an original artwork?
Original artworks are verified through provenance, artist signatures, and expert authentication.
What is the difference between an original and a replica?
An original is the authentic first item, while a replica is a copy made to look like the original.
Is an original always more valuable than something that is not original?
Typically, originals are more valuable due to their authenticity, though there are exceptions depending on context and demand.
What does it mean when someone has original ideas?
It means their ideas are new, innovative, and not derived from existing concepts.
Is the initial phase of a project always the most important?
While crucial, the initial phase is just one of many important stages in a project's development.
Why is preserving the original state of an artifact important?
Preserving the original state maintains its historical integrity and value.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
