Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

at first

Idioms  

  1. Initially, at the start, as in At first the berries were green, but when they ripened they turned bright red. [Second half of 1500s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At first glance, it might seem logical that without HSL, fat would build up since the body would struggle to access its stored energy.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

At first Aneesa, 25, thought the van driver was beeping because of a problem with traffic, but was left shocked when she realised he was targeting her and her younger sister.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

At first, the Supreme Court policed these discriminatory plans under the 14th and 15th amendments.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

At first, the U.S. industry shrugged off the new competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

At first, after they converted, I thought I’d done something to make them angry.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.