Definition and meaning of English word "first"
first
/fɜːrst/
Meaning
VerbBefore anything else; firstly.
How to use
The adverb 'first' is often used to indicate that something happens before anything else. It is commonly used in formal and informal writing and speech, particularly in instructional or explanatory contexts. A common learner mistake is to confuse 'first' with 'at first', which has a different meaning, implying an initial period of time.
🇬🇧 English
first
Example
I am first
She comes first
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- first and foremost— first and foremost
- first of all— first of all
- at first glance— at first glance
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #360 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "first" mean?▼
The English word "first" means "first" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "first"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "first" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "first"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "I am first" (which translates as "first").
More Adverbs & Numbers words
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