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Synonyms

firstly

American  
[furst-lee] / ˈfɜrst li /

adverb

  1. in the first place; first.


firstly British  
/ ˈfɜːstlɪ /

adverb

  1. coming before other points, questions, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

First recorded in 1525–35; first + -ly

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.

But for Norman Miller, it is the biggest memory he has of the late Thin White Duke, having put in a plea for him to play Binley Woods Village Hall, firstly in 2014.

From BBC

"When I was a kid, my dad was always telling me and my little brothers that we had to be strong, firstly to protect yourself, your family, and your friends," says Ibragim.

From BBC

John Clark: Four-cap Scotland international spent more than four decades at Celtic, firstly as a player where he was part of the 'Lisbon Lions' side that won the European Cup.

From BBC

He will return to the store in a paid role next year but is firstly working a few hours a week at his local Asda.

From BBC

His career has been blighted by injuries and the Perth Test was the end of a 15-month absence from Test cricket, firstly because of an elbow injury, then the knee problem.

From BBC