as originally understood

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as originally understood" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial interpretation or meaning of something, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "The contract was revised to reflect the terms as originally understood by both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

" 'The freedom of speech,' as originally understood, does not include a right to speak to minors (or a right of minors to access speech) without going through the minors' parents or guardians," Justice Thomas wrote.

The New York Times

In their view, the challenge for the constitutional interpreter today is faithfully to apply constitutional principles as originally understood to contemporary questions, many of which could not have been foreseen.

The New York Times - Books

The justices should have asked him to defend the idea that the Commerce Clause, as originally understood, even comes into play in this situation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gutzman's work on this subject aligns closely with what Scalia saw as the proper role of a Supreme Court Justice, to interpret the Constitution as it was originally understood by those who framed and ratified it.

Huffington Post

Update: Post has been corrected to reflect that this is a single amendment with two thrusts, and not two separate amendments, as the author originally understood.

TechCrunch

The central component of the late-selection theory, as it was originally understood, was that the effect of withdrawing attention from a stimulus is to make it the case that the stimulus is processed without the subject's awareness, rather than not being processed at all.

SEP

As we look ahead, it must be a priority of the next president to nominate judges and justices committed to applying the Constitution as written and originally understood.

Huffington Post

Its basic aim has been finding regional partners against the "Arab core", originally understood as a coalition of states led by the Egypt of Gamal Abdul Nasser.

The Guardian

Zen Buddhism was the principal conduit for knowledge of this painting tradition, which was originally understood as an exercise potentially leading to enlightenment, either through viewing or in the practice of putting brush to paper.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(ii) Self-organization: Process metaphysics has traditionally been motivated by the fact that it seems to give the best explanation of the phenomena of emergence, originally understood as an integral feature of evolution.

SEP

Whereas Veblen originally understood sabotage as "conscientious withdrawal of efficiency," today, we argue, the workings of the banking and financial sector augment the very notion of efficiency by relying on concepts, techniques, and institutions of financial innovation that are shrouded in complexity.

Business Horizons

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as originally understood" when discussing legal, historical, or philosophical interpretations where the initial understanding is crucial for context.

Common error

Do not assume the original understanding is still valid today without acknowledging potential shifts in meaning or context. Provide evidence or justification when asserting an "as originally understood" interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as originally understood" functions as an adverbial modifier, providing context about how something was initially perceived or interpreted. Ludwig examples show its usage in modifying verbs and clauses to specify a particular viewpoint. It is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as originally understood" is a grammatically sound phrase used to specify the initial interpretation of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common use in formal contexts such as legal, historical, and philosophical discussions. While not extremely frequent, its use clarifies the evolution of understanding over time. To maintain clarity, avoid assuming the original understanding remains valid without proper justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its initial sense

Emphasizes the meaning at the beginning.

by its original definition

Highlights the defined meaning at inception.

as it was first meant

Focuses on the initial intention or purpose.

in its primary interpretation

Stresses the first or main understanding.

according to its initial meaning

Highlights the meaning it possessed at the start.

in the way it was conceived

Refers to the original concept or idea.

from the outset

Indicates from the very beginning.

at the beginning

Points to the initial stage of understanding.

in the beginning

Similar to 'at the beginning' but may imply a broader scope.

in its nascent form

Emphasizes the undeveloped or early stage.

FAQs

How can I use "as originally understood" in a sentence?

You can use "as originally understood" to clarify the initial meaning or intention behind a concept, law, or agreement. For example, "The Constitution, "as originally understood", had different implications for individual rights."

What are some alternatives to "as originally understood"?

Some alternatives include "in its initial sense", "by its original definition", or "as it was first meant". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "as originally understood"?

It's appropriate when you need to emphasize the historical or initial interpretation of something, especially when that interpretation has evolved or is being debated.

What's the difference between "as originally understood" and "as it is currently understood"?

"As originally understood" refers to the initial interpretation, while "as it is currently understood" refers to the modern or present-day interpretation. The distinction is important when discussing evolving concepts or laws.