First: meaning, definitions and examples

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first

[ fəːst ]

^{Context #1}

at the beginning

coming before all others in time or order; earliest; 1st

Synonyms

earliest, initial, primary

Examples of usage

It was the first time he had ever seen the ocean.
She is the first person to arrive at the party.
The first place winner will receive a prize.

^{Context #2}

before anything else; earliest

preceding all others in time, order, or importance

Synonyms

earliest, initial, preliminary

Examples of usage

He always likes to be the first one to try new things.
This is the first step in the process.
That was the first time I had ever tried sushi.

^{Context #3}

rank or position before all others

the person or thing that comes before all others in time, order, or importance

Synonyms

champion, foremost, leader

Examples of usage

She was the first to finish the race.
The first will be last, and the last will be first.
He is the first in line to meet the president.

Translations

Translations of the word "first" in other languages:

🇵🇹 primeiro

🇮🇳 पहला

प्रथम
सर्वप्रथम

🇩🇪 erste

🇮🇩 pertama

🇺🇦 перший

спершу
перший раз

🇵🇱 pierwszy

🇯🇵 最初の (sai-sho no)

🇫🇷 premier

🇪🇸 primero

🇹🇷 ilk

🇰🇷 첫 번째 (cheot beonjjae)

🇸🇦 أول (awwal)

🇨🇿 první

🇸🇰 prvý

🇨🇳 第一 (dì yī)

🇸🇮 prvi

🇮🇸 fyrsti

🇰🇿 бірінші

🇬🇪 პირველი (pirveli)

🇦🇿 birinci

🇲🇽 primero

Word origin

The word 'first' is derived from the Old English word 'fyrst', which means 'foremost', 'earliest', or 'leading'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to denote the beginning or initial position. The concept of being first has always held significance in human society, whether in terms of time, rank, or importance. Being first is often associated with achievement, leadership, and success.