from the beginning; originally; all along
Indicates that a situation or fact has been true from the start, often with a nuance of 'it was never otherwise'.
He was against the plan from the beginning.
もとより勝ち目はないと分かっていた。
I knew all along that there was no chance of winning.
Used to state something obvious or naturally expected, often in formal or written contexts.
もとより、安全が最優先です。
Of course, safety is the top priority.
not to mention ...; not only ... but also ...
Used in the pattern ...はもとより...も to mean 'not only ... but also ...' or 'let alone ...'. Often formal or written.
この店は地元の人はもとより、観光客にも人気がある。
This shop is popular not only with locals but also with tourists.
彼は英語はもとより、中国語も話せる。
He can speak not only English but also Chinese.
He can speak not only English but also Chinese.
Of course I already know that.
That plan was impossible from the start.
当然 stresses that something is 'naturally to be expected', whereas 元より (sense 'of course') simply asserts it as obvious without that logical emphasis.
Rare kanji form; it is rarely used.