initial

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.

“Initial” is pronounced ih-NIHSH-uhl (/ɪˈnɪʃ.əl/ in IPA).

Here is “initial” used in a sentence: “My initial reaction was disbelief.”

Words with a similar meaning to “initial” include incipient, inceptive, opening, beginning, commencing and earliest.

The opposite of “initial” — its antonyms — are final and eternal.

Depending on how it is used, “initial” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.

The word “initial” comes from Latin. From Latin initialis, "of the beginning," from initium, "a start or entrance.".

“Initial” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

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.

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.

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.