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

While they may pay off eventually, to start with at least, “a new technology initially delivers more splash than macroeconomic results.”

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

When news initially broke of Gonzales’ alleged affair, the congressman claimed that he was the victim of an extortion plot.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

These molecules are initially inactive but can be cut into smaller fragments called peptides, some of which function as hormones that influence processes like metabolism in the brain and body.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

Some newspapers that initially criticized the picketers came to respect their tenacity and sincerity.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• originally