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Definitions

firstly

[furst-lee] / ˈfɜrst li /
ADVERB
basically
Synonyms
STRONGEST
essentially mostly
WEAK
at heart at the bottom in essence in substance inherently intrinsically primarily radically
Antonyms
WEAK
additionally extra inessentially
ADVERB
first off
Synonyms
WEAK
first of all first thing foremost immediately in the first place primo up front
ADVERB
radically
Synonyms
STRONGEST
essentially
WEAK
basically fundamentally primarily primitively

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.

"It's very pleasing because firstly that is the reason we have won," said Slot.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

"I mean, firstly, we're very sympathetic towards Bangladeshi players, but we still massively believe that we should be here." veteran left-armer Watt told reporters.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

His career has been blighted by injuries and the Perth Test was the end of a 15-month absence from Test cricket, firstly because of an elbow injury, then the knee problem.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

Kansas City have a great defence, the reasons for failure are clear and were wonderfully encapsulated during Sunday's defeat to Houston - firstly the already dodgy offensive line had three starters missing.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2025

These were the six things the dwarfs gathered: For firstly, the footsteps of a cat.

From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.