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.

The latest exuberance in equities did not reflect as broad and generous a market bounce as it might appear at first glance.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

John says at first the changes were attributed to the menopause, but in March 2023 he noticed his wife had become more irrational and did not react as expected when she had a car crash.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

As Othello, Mr. Quinn is at first surprisingly soft-spoken, not putting too much polish on the character’s transfixing eloquence—“the Othello music,” as critics have called it—in his recitation of how he won Desdemona’s love.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Slowly at first, but business picked up and DeVaux started winning bigger races.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

Jeremy began to sketch, slowly at first, then with growing enthusiasm.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville