Initial — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun verb /i-ˈni-shəl/ ini·tial

Meaning & Definition of Initial

Initial (adjective)

  1. of or relating to the beginning, incipient
  2. placed at the beginning, first

Initial (noun)

  1. the first letter of a name
  2. the first letter of each word in a full name
  3. a large letter beginning a text or a division or paragraph

Initial (verb)

  1. to affix an initial to
  2. to authenticate or give preliminary approval to by affixing the initials of an authorizing representative

Initial (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. coming before all others in time or order

    "you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question"

    similar: earliest, first, foremost, headmost, inaugural, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer, premier, virgin
    related: ancient, early, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive, primordial, antecedent, preceding, previous
    opposite: final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating, ultimate
    near: advanced, late, consequent, ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding, penultimate

Initial (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in inscribe

    similar: inscribe, cosign, countersign, endorse, register, sign on, author, pen, pencil (in), scratch (out), scrawl, scribble, autograph, ink, sign, subscribe, notarize, sign up

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Initial

The most common words with a similar meaning to Initial:

earliest, first, foremost, headmost, inaugural, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer, premier, virgin, inscribe, cosign, countersign, endorse, register, sign on, author, pen, pencil (in), scratch (out), scrawl, scribble, autograph, ink, sign, subscribe, notarize, sign up

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Initial

Words with the opposite meaning of Initial:

final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating, ultimate

Related Words for Initial

ancient, early, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive, primordial, antecedent, preceding, previous

Near Antonyms of Initial

advanced, late, consequent, ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding, penultimate

Word Forms of Initial

Inflections: initialed, initialled, initialing, initialling

Derived words: initialness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Initial

Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French iniciel, from Latin initialis, from initium beginning, from inire to go into, from in- + ire to go issue:1

First known use: 1526

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Initial

Words & Phrases Containing Initial

initial coin offering, initial rhyme, initial side, initial public offering

Frequently Asked Questions about Initial

What does "Initial" mean?

"Initial" means of or relating to the beginning, incipient. As an an adjective, a noun and a verb, it is defined as: of or relating to the beginning, incipient. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Initial"?

Other words for "Initial" include earliest, first, foremost, headmost, inaugural, leadoff, maiden and original. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Initial" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Initial"?

There are 40 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Initial". Common alternatives include earliest, first, foremost, headmost, inaugural, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer and premier.

What is the opposite of "Initial"?

Antonyms of "Initial" include final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating and ultimate. Near antonyms include advanced, late, consequent and ensuing.

How do you use "Initial" in a sentence?

Examples of "Initial" in a sentence: "you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question".

Is "Initial" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Initial" can be used as an adjective, a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Initial" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Initial" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Initial"?

"Initial" is pronounced /i-ˈni-shəl/ and divided into syllables as ini·tial.