Initial: Definition, Common Uses & Examples

Meaning 1：at the very start (initial)

initial 🔊

/ɪˈnɪʃl/

adj.

Describing something that happens or exists at the very beginning of a process, event, or period of time.

Initial meaning illustrated by connecting the first two puzzle pieces, showing the start of an activity.

at the very start 🔊

➕

/æt ðə ˈveri stɑːrt/

adj.

Referring to the point where something first begins or the first part of a sequence.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'initialis', meaning 'in the beginning', derived from 'initium' (a beginning, entry).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'IN IT' at the start. You are 'IN IT' from the very beginning.

📖 Example

My initial attempts at learning to paint were very simple, just drawing shapes. 🔊 My first tries at learning to paint were very basic, involving only simple shapes.

🔗 Collocations

initial stage – the very first phase of a process

initial reaction – one's first immediate response to something

initial investment – the first sum of money put into a project

🔄 Synonyms

first (adj.) – coming before all others in time or order

early (adj.) – happening or done near the beginning of a period

primary (adj.) – of chief importance; existing or occurring first in time

🚫 Antonyms

final (adj.) – coming at the end; last in a series

last (adj.) – coming after all others in time or order

🌱 Derivatives

initially (adv.) – at the beginning

initialize (v.) – to set something to a starting position or value

📖 Cultural Story

In legal and formal contexts, 'initial' refers to the first letters of one's name, used for signing or approving documents (e.g., 'Please initial each page'). This practice underscores its enduring link to beginnings and first actions in Anglo-American legal culture.