initially

American  

[ih-nish-uh-lee] / ɪˈnɪʃ ə li /

adverb

1. happening first; at the start; in the beginning.

   Although natural gas cars cost a bit more initially, savings from lower fuel costs can help make up the difference.

   The foundation initially funded only educational programs, but later also awarded grants for emotional and social support.

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Etymology

Origin of initially

initial ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Azam Jangravi, an activist who fled Iran after protesting against the compulsory veil, said she initially favored the bombing campaign that targeted Iran’s leaders and security forces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Intel initially sold the 49% stake in the Ireland manufacturing facility in 2024 for $11.2 billion.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

According to Scheffrahn, the insect's appearance was so unusual that researchers initially believed they might be looking at an entirely new genus.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

The brand’s pricey wool shoes were initially embraced by celebrities like Leonardio DiCaprio, who invested in the company in 2018.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Along with the crops, they were useful commodities in the marketplaces of each city in the trade networks initially established by the Toltecs.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Related Words

• originally