initially

[ ih-nish-uh-lee ]

adverb

1. happening first; at the start; in the beginning:

   Although natural gas cars cost a bit more initially, savings from lower fuel costs can help make up the difference.

   The foundation initially funded only educational programs, but later also awarded grants for emotional and social support.

Word History and Origins

Origin of initially¹

initial ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Smith initially said she was carjacked at late at night and that a man drove away with her car.

From BBC

Planned suburban residential neighborhoods in metropolitan areas known as new towns were initially developed in England.

From Science Daily

“When it started off, initially, it wasn’t about Feathers McGraw and a revenge film,” says creator and co-director Nick Park, a four-time Oscar winner.

From Los Angeles Times

Like Nessa, Bode also moved away for college — a decision that initially worried her parents and older brother — and graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles in 2021.

From Los Angeles Times

The city of Fresno initially pledged $3 million for the project but pulled the money back in February, citing a budget shortfall.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• originally