initially

Meaning

1. 1adverbnot comparable

   At the start of a process or situation, before things changed.

   Grammar: Usually sits at the front of a clause or before the verb: initially, we agreed.

   Patterns

   • initially, clause
   • be initially something

   Initially, the plan looked simple.

   The company was initially based in a garage.

   I was initially skeptical, but the demo convinced me.

Common combinations

initially planned

The trip was initially planned for June.

initially reluctant

She was initially reluctant to speak.

initially, but

Initially it seemed fine, but problems soon appeared.

initially thought

We initially thought the noise came from upstairs.

initially developed

The drug was initially developed to treat asthma.

Synonyms and how they differ

at first

At first is more conversational and almost always implies a later change.

originally

Originally points back to the very source or first intention, while initially points to the early stage.

to begin with

To begin with is spoken and often introduces a list of reasons, which initially does not do.

at the outset

At the outset is more formal and refers to the very beginning of a project.

Opposites

Word family

initial adjective

happening at the beginning

initial noun

the first letter of a name

initiate verb

to start something

initiation noun

the start of something, or a ceremony of joining

initiative noun

the first step, or the ability to act on your own

Commonly confused: initially or initiatively?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “initially”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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