firstly

[furst-lee]

adverb

1. in the first place; first.

firstly

/ ˈfɜːstlɪ /

adverb

1. coming before other points, questions, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of firstly¹

First recorded in 1525–35; first + -ly

Example Sentences

Before Perth he had not played a Test for 15 months, firstly because of an elbow problem, then the surgery on his left knee.

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The rolling-recovery thesis reinforcing his constructive approach on stocks is firstly based on Morgan Stanley’s observations that EPS revisions breadth rose again last week.

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Stokes used himself as the fifth bowler, firstly snuffing out any suggestion of an Australia fightback then running through the long tail.

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Horner was twice cleared of the claims, firstly after an internal investigation conducted by a lawyer, then by another lawyer who dismissed the complainant's appeal.

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"There are a lot more players in England, firstly," she says.

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Related Words

• essentially 
• mostly 

When To Use

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.