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

They said he had initially been asked his views in a private meeting of Labour MPs, but once that leaked, he felt it necessary to explain publicly why he had come to his opinion.

From BBC

In 2022 she left the Democrat Party and initially registered as an independent - accusing her former party of being an “elitist cabal of warmongers” driven by "cowardly wokeness".

From BBC

Some lawmakers in Washington DC appeared initially perplexed by Hegseth's appointment to oversee one of the most complex bureaucracies in the world.

From BBC

Initially, the Sheriff’s Department referred all further questions to the Torrance Police Department, which did not respond to a request for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Nelly initially received this citation in June 2018 in Maryland Heights.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• originally