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

Example Sentences

The victim's mother, from Greater Manchester, said she was "shocked, bewildered and really angry" when she discovered her daughter had initially been targeted by Tritta on Roblox.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

“Long story short: I fractured my neck and have an acute brain injury,” guitarist and vocalist Phoebe Lunny wrote Wednesday on Instagram, adding that the injury happened in Australia and was initially misdiagnosed.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Their planning appears more judicious than the U.S. initially assumed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Applied Digital shares initially jumped on earnings before falling 3% after the closing bell Wednesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

It is a pure white, horned horse when fully grown, though the foals are initially golden and turn silver before achieving maturity.

From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

• originally