firstly
Americanadverb
adverb
Usage
What does firstly mean? Firstly means in the first place or first, as in Firstly, I did study for the test, and secondly, the test was long and difficult. You will most often see firstly at the start of a sentence that details a first point in an argument. Sentences that detail other points in the argument may begin with second, secondly, and similar terms that number (that is, enumerate) your points. Example: Firstly, I’d like to point out that I was never on the site on that day.
Etymology
Origin of firstly
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.
Firstly, while you are standing there pouting, our opponents are racing to their basket with a five-on-four advantage.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
Firstly, it’s not new—a technical draft of research on the algorithm appeared online in April 2025.
From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026
Firstly, there is a tussle over the facts - in other words, precisely what was discussed in the calls between the two men in the last few weeks: what was requested and what was offered.
From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026
Firstly, they’ve turned positive on value stocks, given still-attractive valuations compared to growth and despite recent outperformance and a more inflationary backdrop.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026
Firstly, they spent more time in search of food.
From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
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.
