firstly
[ˈfɜɹstli]
Firstly means at the beginning or first in time or order. It's often used as an adverb.
When speaking or writing about several points that need to be explained, people usually start with firstly because it helps them introduce their main idea before going into detail. For example, if you're making a list of reasons why you love your hometown, you might say "Firstly, the food here is amazing" and then explain what makes the local cuisine so great. You can also use firstly to emphasize something that's particularly important or interesting.
How common is "firstly"?
Word firstly is considered rare in modern English.
It appears most frequently in academic texts and less often in other writings.
It appears most frequently in academic texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions
adverb
In the first place; before anything else; first.
1stlyfirstfirst of allfirst up
Real examples of "firstly" in context
