What does 元より mean in Japanese?

from the beginning, from the first, all along, originally, of course, not to mention ...

元より (Motoyori) — from the beginning · Japanese Dictionary

もとより

Motoyori

Usually written in kana.

Other forms: 固より、素より

元より (Motoyori) is a Japanese adverb meaning “from the beginning, from the first, all along, originally”.

adverbfrom the beginning; from the first; all along; originally
adverbof course
adverbnot to mention ...; not only ... but also ...; to say nothing of ...usu. as ...はもとより...も

もとよりそんなことは承知の上だ。
Of course I am aware of that.
もとより私は最悪の事態を覚悟していた。
From the outset I was prepared for the worst.
MPEG-4 AVC録画の実力テスト：使いやすさはもとより、画質・音質の実力も高い。
MPEG-4 AVC recording practical test: It was always easy to use, now the picture and sound quality is high too.

Sentences from Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR).