initial
ih-NIHSH-uhl
Initial (adj) means happening at the very start; first. Example: “The initial plan was simple, but it changed a lot as the project grew.”
adj
1
Happening at the very start; first.
"The initial plan was simple, but it changed a lot as the project grew."
"My initial reaction was disbelief."
"The initial results of the trial looked promising."
noun
1
The first letter of a name or word.
"Write the initial of your surname in the box, then add your signature."
"She had her initials, J.M., engraved on the bracelet."
"Just sign your initials at the bottom of each page."
verb
1
To mark or sign something with your initials.
"He initialled the corrected line so everyone knew the change was approved."
"Could you initial here, then sign your full name below?"
"Please initial each page of the contract to confirm you've read it."
How to use initial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFirst, or the first letter of something — and as a verb, to sign with just your initials rather than a full signature.
Common pairings
initial reaction
initial stage
initial each page
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Word forms
- Plural
- initials
- Third person singular
- initials
- Past tense
- initialed, initialled
Fill the gap
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The _____ plan was simple, but it changed a lot as the project grew.
Etymology
From Latin initialis, "of the beginning," from initium, "a start or entrance."
Synonyms
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preliminary
introductory
incipient
inceptive
opening
beginning
commencing
earliest
first
maiden
nascent
original
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for initial
See all rhymes for initial →Frequently asked questions
What does “initial” mean?
The word “initial” means happening at the very start; first. In plain terms, first, or the first letter of something — and as a verb, to sign with just your initials rather than a full signature.
How do you pronounce “initial”?
“Initial” is pronounced ih-NIHSH-uhl (/ɪˈnɪʃ.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “initial” in a sentence?
Here is “initial” used in a sentence: “My initial reaction was disbelief.”
What is another word for “initial”?
Words with a similar meaning to “initial” include incipient, inceptive, opening, beginning, commencing and earliest.
What is the opposite of “initial”?
The opposite of “initial” — its antonyms — are final and eternal.
What part of speech is “initial”?
Depending on how it is used, “initial” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “initial” come from?
The word “initial” comes from Latin. From Latin initialis, "of the beginning," from initium, "a start or entrance.".
Is “initial” a common word?
“Initial” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between initial and first?
Both point to the start, but "initial" describes something at the very beginning of a process or sequence, often implying more will follow, as in an initial response or initial stage. "First" simply marks position in an order. Initial also carries a provisional feel; a first attempt may be final, an initial one usually is not.
Does initial have other meanings?
Yes. As a noun, an "initial" is the first letter of a name — J.K. Rowling's initials are J.K. As a verb, to "initial" a document means to mark it with your initials rather than a full signature. The adjective sense, meaning first or at the start, is the most common.
What is an example of initial?
You might speak of your "initial reaction" to news, the "initial phase" of a project, or an "initial payment" on a purchase. In each case, initial marks the earliest point, usually with the expectation that further reactions, phases, or payments will follow after it.
What is the opposite of initial?
The opposite of initial is "final," "last," or "concluding." Related contrasts include "eventual," "subsequent," and "closing." Where initial marks the first stage of something, final marks the end — an initial draft is revised until it becomes the final version.
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