Initially — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /i-ˈni-sh(ə-)lē/ ini·tial·ly

Meaning & Definition of Initially

Initially (adverb)

  1. at the beginning, at first

Initially (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. in the beginning

    "we initially intended to rebuild our hurricane-damaged home from the ground up"

    similar: firstly, originally, primarily, at first, to start with
    related: incipiently, primitively
    near: finally, lastly, ultimately

Related Entry: Initial (adjective)

Initial is a different word from Initially. The synonyms below are for initial, not for initially.

  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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Initially

The most common words with a similar meaning to Initially:

firstly, originally, primarily, at first, to start with

Related Words for Initially

incipiently, primitively

Near Antonyms of Initially

finally, lastly, ultimately

Origin & Etymology of Initially

First known use: circa 1628

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Initially

Frequently Asked Questions about Initially

What does "Initially" mean?

"Initially" means at the beginning, at first. As an adverb, it is defined as: at the beginning, at first.

What is another word for "Initially"?

Other words for "Initially" include firstly, originally, primarily, at first and to start with. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Initially" you intend.

How do you use "Initially" in a sentence?

Examples of "Initially" in a sentence: "we initially intended to rebuild our hurricane-damaged home from the ground up".

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

"Initially" is an adverb.

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

As a B2-level word, "Initially" 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+.

How do you pronounce "Initially"?

"Initially" is pronounced /i-ˈni-sh(ə-)lē/ and divided into syllables as ini·tial·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Initially"?

First known use: circa 1628.

What is another word for "Initially" meaning "in the beginning"?

When "Initially" (adverb) means in the beginning, synonyms include firstly, originally, primarily, at first and to start with.