first

[fɪrst]

[fɜːst]

[fɝst]

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firstly - first

The word "first" refers to the beginning or initial part of something.

When we use the word "first", we usually mean that it's the earliest time or situation. For example, "I'm going to the movies first on Friday night." In this case, "first" means before anything else happens. But if you say "This is my first week at school," "first" means the beginning of a new experience - your first chance to try something. People also use "first" to compare things, like "The biggest apple was first on the left."

How common is "first"?

Word first is considered common in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

The person or thing in the first position.
Example: He was the first to complete the course.
The first gear of an engine.
Something that has never happened before; a new occurrence.
Example: This is a first. For once he has nothing to say.
First base
Example: There was a close play at first.
A first-class honours degree.
A first-edition copy of some publication.
A fraction of an integer ending in one.
Example: one forty-first of the estate

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adjective

Preceding all others of a series or kind; the ordinal of one; earliest.
Example: I was the first runner to reach the finish line, and won the race.
Most eminent or exalted; most excellent; chief; highest.
Example: Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece.

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adverb

Before anything else; firstly.
Example: Clean the sink first, before you even think of starting to cook.
For the first time;
Example: I first witnessed a death when I was nine years old.

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