The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.8

Improve Your Vocabulary Today!

initially

adverb

/ɪˈnɪʃ ə li/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of initially

Referring to the starting point or the earliest stage of a process, event, or situation.
"She was initially hesitant to join the club, but eventually became an active member."

Detailed meaning of initially

It describes an action, state, or condition that occurs at the beginning or in the initial phase of something. When used to modify a verb or an adjective, "initially" indicates the primary or preliminary nature of the action or characteristic being described. It implies that subsequent changes, developments, or adjustments may occur over time. "Initially" is often employed to highlight the initial expectations, reactions, or conditions that may evolve or transform as a situation progresses. It serves as an adverbial marker of temporal sequence, conveying the concept of an early or initial state, action, or circumstance that sets the stage for what follows.

Example sentences containing initially

1. Initially, I had reservations about the idea, but it grew on me over time.
2. The experiment initially showed promising results, but further analysis was needed.
3. Initially, the company struggled to gain traction in the market, but it eventually became a major player.
4. The new employee initially felt overwhelmed, but quickly adapted to the fast-paced environment.
5. Initially, he seemed disinterested, but as the conversation progressed, he became more engaged.
6. The project initially faced delays, but with additional resources, it was completed ahead of schedule.

History and etymology of initially

The adverb 'initially' finds its roots in the Latin word 'initialis,' which is derived from 'initium,' meaning 'beginning' or 'start.' In Latin, 'initium' was used to denote the commencement of something, and 'initialis' evolved to describe actions or events occurring at the outset. Over time, as the English language developed, 'initially' emerged as an adverb to convey the concept of something happening at the beginning or earliest stage of a process, event, or situation. Its etymology reflects its fundamental role in indicating the initial point in various contexts.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adverb initially:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of initially

1. She was initially unsure of her abilities, but with practice, she became more confident.
2. Initially, the idea was met with skepticism, but after a successful pilot program, it gained widespread support.
3. The team initially struggled to communicate effectively, but with training, they improved their collaboration.
4. The initial plan didn't meet the requirements, so it was revised and improved.
5. Initially, the weather was sunny, but later in the day, it turned cloudy and rainy.
6. Initially, he was hesitant to join the adventure, but he soon embraced it.
7. The project seemed daunting initially, but with teamwork, we made progress.
8. She initially thought the book was dull, but it grew on her over time.
9. Initially, the plan appeared flawless, but unforeseen challenges arose.
10. They initially met at a conference and later became close friends.
11. Initially, the restaurant was empty, but it filled up quickly.
12. She was initially unsure about the job offer, but now she loves it.
13. Initially, the new software was confusing, but training improved things.
14. The house looked small initially, but it felt cozy once they moved in.
15. Initially, the problem seemed insurmountable, but they found a solution.
16. He initially struggled with the piano, but his practice paid off.
17. Initially, the movie appeared boring, but it became captivating.
18. She was initially reserved, but she opened up as they got to know her.
19. Initially, the storm was mild, but it intensified rapidly.
20. The garden initially looked barren, but it bloomed beautifully in spring.
21. Initially, the experiment failed, but adjustments yielded success.
22. They initially disagreed, but compromise led to a great decision.
23. Initially, the idea was rejected, but it gained traction later.
24. She initially hesitated to speak up, but her voice was powerful.
25. Initially, the novel had a slow start, but it became a page-turner.