もとより

も

と

よ

り

Common wordJLPTN1Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

1

adverb

usually written using kana alone

Indicates that a situation or fact has been true from the start, often with a nuance of 'it was never otherwise'.

もとより勝かち目めはないと分わかっていた。

I knew all along that there was no chance of winning.

2

adverb

usually written using kana alone

Used to state something obvious or naturally expected, often in formal or written contexts.

3

adverb

not to mention ...; not only ... but also ...

usually written using kana alone

Used in the pattern ...はもとより...も to mean 'not only ... but also ...' or 'let alone ...'. Often formal or written.

元もと々もと
もともと is more colloquial and commonly used for 'originally' or 'from the start', while もとより is more formal and often used in written language or set phrases.
最さい初しょから
最初から is a straightforward, neutral way to say 'from the beginning', whereas もとより carries a stronger nuance of 'it was always the case' or 'needless to say'.

Derived from 元 (もと, 'origin') + より (particle meaning 'from'). The adverbial use developed from the literal meaning 'from the origin'.