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.
Tenzin Choekyi, 21, at first imagined a minor accident, but then came the details "and a wave of absolute terror hit me."
From Barron's ● Aug. 7, 2026
What happened at first meeting of Reform-controlled council?
From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026
Now, at first glance, this might seem like a significant concession on behalf of the administration.
From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026
Nancy lived with a heart condition and a bad back, and Annie at first wondered if her mother had gone to the hospital for a health emergency.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026
But in an hour a warm wind from the land began to blow, at first in stiff gusts.
From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell
