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At first: meaning, definitions and examples

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at first

[ ət fəˈrst ]

Adverb

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in time or order

before anything else happens or is done

Synonyms

initially, initially, initially.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
at first	Used to describe the initial stage of a situation that undergoes a significant change over time. Often implies a contrast between the initial perception and the subsequent reality. At first, I thought the task would be easy, but it turned out to be quite challenging. At first, she didn't enjoy the new city, but now she loves living there.
initially	Used to describe the beginning phase of an event or process, but typically without the implication of change or contrast inherent in 'at first.' It is more formal than 'at first.' Initially, the project aimed at improving local infrastructure. Initially, he had no idea about the outcome of his decision.

Word

Description / Examples

at first

Used to describe the initial stage of a situation that undergoes a significant change over time. Often implies a contrast between the initial perception and the subsequent reality.

At first, I thought the task would be easy, but it turned out to be quite challenging.
At first, she didn't enjoy the new city, but now she loves living there.

initially

Used to describe the beginning phase of an event or process, but typically without the implication of change or contrast inherent in 'at first.' It is more formal than 'at first.'

Initially, the project aimed at improving local infrastructure.
Initially, he had no idea about the outcome of his decision.

Examples of usage

She failed at first but succeeded in the end.
At first, I didn't like the idea, but now I think it's great.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

in time or order

at the beginning of a particular situation or period of time

Synonyms

initially, initially, initially.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
at first	Used when describing an initial stage before something changed or progressed. At first, I didn't like the new job, but now I find it quite enjoyable
initially	Used in a more formal context or when emphasizing the start of a process or event. Initially, the project seemed simple, but it turned out to be quite complex

Word

Description / Examples

at first

Used when describing an initial stage before something changed or progressed.

At first, I didn't like the new job, but now I find it quite enjoyable

initially

Used in a more formal context or when emphasizing the start of a process or event.

Initially, the project seemed simple, but it turned out to be quite complex

Examples of usage

At first, he thought it was a joke.
I was confused at first, but then I understood.

Translations

Translations of the word "at first" in other languages:

🇵🇹 a princípio

🇮🇳 पहले

🇩🇪 zunächst

🇮🇩 pada awalnya

🇺🇦 спочатку

🇵🇱 najpierw

🇯🇵 最初に (saisho ni)

🇫🇷 d'abord

🇪🇸 al principio

🇹🇷 öncelikle

🇰🇷 처음에 (cheoeume)

🇸🇦 أولا (awalan)

🇨🇿 nejprve

🇸🇰 najprv

🇨🇳 首先 (shǒuxiān)

🇸🇮 najprej

🇮🇸 fyrst

🇰🇿 алдымен

🇬🇪 თავდაპირველად (tavdapirvelelad)

🇦🇿 ilk növbədə

🇲🇽 al principio

Etymology

The phrase 'at first' has been in use in the English language since at least the 14th century. It is a combination of the preposition 'at' and the adverb 'first', indicating the initial or beginning point of something. Over time, it has become a common expression to denote the starting point of a sequence of events or the beginning of a new situation.