adverb, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
originally; from the start; by nature
Describes the original state or inherent nature of something. Often used when contrasting the past with the present, or when emphasizing that something has always been a certain way.
彼はもともと優しい人だ。
He is a kind person by nature.
This town was originally a small village.
none the worse; even; same as before
Used in conditional expressions like 〜てももともと or 〜でもともと to mean that even if something happens, the situation will be no worse than before, or the outcome will be the same. Often implies a sense of acceptance or low risk.
Even if I fail, I'll be no worse off than before.
There's nothing to lose, so let's give it a try.
She's cheerful by nature.
If I think 'even if I fail, I'll be no worse off,' I can go ahead and take the risk.
This building was originally a factory.
元々 emphasizes that something has always been a certain way from the start, while 当初 emphasizes the initial state of a plan or period that later changed.
Rarely used kanji form.
Rarely used kanji form without the repetition mark.