at first
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Reluctant at first to talk to Mr. Harris, the “fiercely private” Mr. David eventually agrees to numerous interviews.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
“Maybe at first it felt Big Brotherish, but my mom realizes now that she needs to hand this over to me.”
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026
He thought at first that this was simply because of an air pocket, but "it took a lot of time, almost a minute".
From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026
"Work started early in the morning because the planes took off at first light... and operations usually wrapped up at dusk, making for long, intense days," he said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026
So she was nice at first, saying, ‘It’s for the best, sweetheart. He needs more care.’
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
