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.

---

Etymology

Origin of initially

initial ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

The word initially can be used to describe an action that happened first. You might initially want fish for dinner, but then end up getting the pasta special that looks so good. The adverb initially can describe something that happened at the beginning. Initially you might have thought the apartment was too small, but then you decided to take it because of the rooftop garden. You initially wanted to go to college far from home, but decided to stay closer to be near your family. The bride-to-be initially wanted an outdoor wedding, but decided against it because of the area's unpredictable weather.

Example Sentences

She worked part-time initially, before transitioning back to full time work.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Throughout the film, the question of what gives art its value appears in several forms, challenged by Lori and Julian when their initially stilted working relationship transforms into something more intimate.

From Salon • Apr. 17, 2026

Jackie Lacey initially cleared the officers of wrongdoing, but Dist.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

While the Obama project was initially estimated at $300 million, the final price tag hit about $850 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Beneath the table, a large sphere that initially seemed to be a ball of shaggy carpet grew and then shrunk rhythmically, breathing.

From "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green

Related Words

• originally