adverb, takes genitive case の

Usually written with kana alone.
  1. originally, from the start, from the beginning, from the outset, by nature.

adjectival noun or quasi-adjective, noun

Usually written with kana alone. Usu. as 〜て(も)もともと, 〜でもともと, etc..
  1. none the worse (for), (coming out) even, in the same position (as before).

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
 
 
 
もともと
元々 もともと
元元 もともと
本本 もともと
本々 もともと