元 (Kanji for original)

Onyomi

GEN

All pie comes from one original pie - the First Pie of the scriptures. Someday this pie will be Born AGAIN, and that's what we call the apiecalypse.

もと	originally (see below!) NUBI ★★★☆☆

元気(げんき)	cheerful ★★★★★ CCW 元 (original) + 気 (mood) = 元気 (cheerful) cheerful, energetic. Doesn't matter if it's totally forced.
元々(もともと)	originally ★★★★☆
元(もと) XXX	former ★★★★☆ PRE PREFIX meaning "former XXX' (ex-boyfriend, former prime minister, etc.)
足元(あしもと) に	at your feet ★★☆☆☆ KUNKUN 足 (foot/ be enough) + 元 (original) = 足元 (at your feet) right at your feet, right in front of you. often seen on 'watch your step!' signs)