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Initially Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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initially

[ɪˈnɪʃəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in the beginning

at the beginning; in the first place; at first

Synonyms

at first, in the beginning, originally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
initially

Ideal for describing the very start of a process or situation, often before a change or development occurs.

  • Initially, the project seemed simple.
  • She felt nervous initially, but soon gained confidence.
originally

Best used to describe the initial state or intention before changes occurred, often implying that something has been modified or evolved.

  • Originally, the building was a school, but now it's a museum.
  • He was originally from a small town.
at first

Used in less formal contexts and indicates the early phase before something else happens or a contrasting event occurs.

  • At first, he didn’t like the new job, but he grew to love it.
  • The class was confusing at first, but it got easier.
in the beginning

Typically used to describe the starting period of a longer story or process, often in narrative or descriptive contexts.

  • In the beginning, the universe was a chaotic place.
  • In the beginning, their relationship was full of excitement.

Examples of usage

  • Initially, I was hesitant to try sushi, but now it's one of my favorite foods.
  • Initially, the project seemed overwhelming, but with time it became more manageable.
Context #2 | Adjective

starting point

existing or occurring at the beginning

Synonyms

beginning, initial, starting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
initially

Use 'initially' when you want to describe something that happened at the very start but may have changed later. It is often used in storytelling, reports, or any descriptions of events.

  • Initially, the project seemed simple, but it became more complex as we progressed
initial

Use 'initial' to describe something that occurs at the start, often in a formal or technical context. It may refer to the first phase or first impression.

  • The initial results of the study were promising
starting

Use 'starting' to focus on the point where something begins. It can also imply ongoing action and is more casual, commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • We're starting the meeting at 10 AM sharp
beginning

Use 'beginning' to refer to the first part of something, such as a story, event, or period of time. It's more neutral and can be used in various formal or informal contexts.

  • At the beginning of the book, the author introduces the main characters

Examples of usage

  • The initially proposed budget was too high, so we had to make adjustments.
  • The initially agreed upon meeting time had to be changed due to scheduling conflicts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Humans often make decisions based on first impressions, known as the 'primacy effect'.
  • Initial experiences can shape our perceptions and judgments later on, which is why beginnings are so important.

Literature

  • In storytelling, the initial scene sets the tone and grabs the reader's attention.
  • Famous authors often lead with a compelling first line to hook readers, exemplifying the importance of beginnings.

Pop Culture

  • Many shows and movies start with a 'pilot' episode, which is their initial introduction to the audience.
  • The term 'initially' is often used in plot summaries to describe where a story begins before it develops.

Education

  • In learning, initial knowledge can heavily influence future learning pathways.
  • Teachers often present initial lessons in a way that builds curiosity for deeper exploration.

Origin of 'initially'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'initialis', meaning 'of or belonging to the beginning'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 19th century, indicating its relatively modern use.

The word 'initially' comes from the Latin word 'initialis', which means 'of the beginning'. It has been used in the English language since the 16th century. Originally used in the context of beginnings and starting points, 'initially' has retained its meaning over the centuries and is now commonly used in both spoken and written English.

See also: initialism, initialisms, initialize, initials.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,584, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.