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Definitions

at first

ADVERB
originally
Synonyms
STRONGEST
basically formerly
STRONG
primitively
WEAK
at the outset at the start by birth by origin first in the beginning in the first place incipiently primarily to begin with
Antonyms
WEAK
secondarily
ADVERB
primarily
Synonyms
WEAK
at the start first and foremost from the start in the first place initially originally primitively
Antonyms
WEAK
finally secondarily

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.

Bob Dylan and the Beatles weren’t mutual admirers at first.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The Suffolk County Police Department did not involve federal investigators in the probe at first, and leaders of the investigation faced separate scandals.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

It may seem minor at first, but even small disturbances can build up over time and interfere with the entire sequence.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

It was love at first sight, an experience the now-63-year-old says he hadn’t had before—and hasn’t since.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

He keeps talking, and I listen attentively at first, but after a while it’s hard to concentrate with the sun scorching the top of my head.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar