initially

American  

[ih-nish-uh-lee] / ɪˈnɪʃ ə li /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of initially

initial ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

The word initially can be used to describe an action that happened first. You might initially want fish for dinner, but then end up getting the pasta special that looks so good. The adverb initially can describe something that happened at the beginning. Initially you might have thought the apartment was too small, but then you decided to take it because of the rooftop garden. You initially wanted to go to college far from home, but decided to stay closer to be near your family. The bride-to-be initially wanted an outdoor wedding, but decided against it because of the area's unpredictable weather.

Example Sentences

The project, expected to be completed later this year, will initially provide 10 megawatt-hours of energy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

If she is likely to receive a higher spousal benefit than her own, regardless of when she initially claimed, delaying your claim would also delay that higher benefit.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

After initially performing in their family's pub, Leo's Tavern, Clannad began tours of Europe in the 1970s.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

“Anne Hathaway being in it was what initially interested me . . . and then the reveal of the dinosaur aspect got my full attention.”

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

We borrowed many initially because we did not have dogs and they came and went, ran for us awhile, then belonged to someone else.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

• originally