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

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

Initially, her policy had full support from the likes of France, the Netherlands and the European Union executive body.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Initially, I was coming out the gate with “September,” just, “Let’s get this out the way.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Initially Chantal only invested 250 euros, but after seeing her money quickly quadruple she succumbed when advisors asked if she wanted to invest more money.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Initially, their 'Bazball' style brought immediate success, with 10 wins from their first 11 Tests at the helm.

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Initially, they made ends meet in part by selling off plots of their twenty-six acres where they’d raised animals and had some orchards.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Related Words

• originally