initial

[ih-nish-uhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or occurring at the beginning; first.

   the initial step in a process.

2. Phonetics.,  occurring at the beginning of a word or syllable, as the (k) sound of kite, chasm, or quay.

noun

1. an initial letter, as of a word.

2. the first letter of a proper name.

3. a letter of extra size or an ornamental character used at the beginning of a chapter or other division of a book, manuscript, or the like.

verb (used with object)

initialed, initialing , initialled, initialling .

1. to mark or sign with an initial or the initials of one's name, especially as a token of preliminary or informal approval.

initial

/ ɪˈnɪʃəl /

adjective

1. of, at, or concerning the beginning

noun

1. the first letter of a word, esp a person's name

2. printing a large sometimes highly decorated letter set at the beginning of a chapter or work

3. botany a cell from which tissues and organs develop by division and differentiation; a meristematic cell

verb

1. (tr) to sign with one's initials, esp to indicate approval; endorse

Other Word Forms

• initialer noun
• initially adverb
• preinitial verb (used with object)
• subinitial verb (used with object)
• uninitialed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of initial¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin initiālis, equivalent to initi(um) “beginning” ( init-, noun derivative of inīre “to enter, begin”; in- in- ² + īre “to go”; comes ) + -ium -ium ) + -alis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of initial¹

C16: from Latin initiālis of the beginning, from initium beginning, literally: an entering upon, from inīre to go in, from _in- ² + īre to go

Example Sentences

It is alleged that Abedi had three makeshift knives during the initial alleged assault, and collected two more from his cell after the attack had started.

From BBC

Aiming to “recapture that initial wonderment and whimsy,” he’s been going back for more than 10 years, always looking for “some kind of new and out-of-my-comfort-zone mischief.”

From Los Angeles Times

The novel then winds through Lola’s year after that: her initial rejection of internet fame before chasing internet clout despite knowing that’s what killed her best friend.

From Los Angeles Times

In an aerial video that captured the initial confrontation, Retes is seen driving up to the line of agents.

From Los Angeles Times

From an initial 11 presidential hopefuls – one for every 7,000 electors – eight remain in the race.

From BBC

Related Words

• basic 
• introductory 
• original