first
1first
adjective \ˈfərst\Definition of FIRST
: preceding all others in time, order, or importance: as a : earliest b : being the lowest forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle c : having the highest or most prominent part among a group of similar voices or instruments <first violins>
Examples of FIRST
- We sat in the first row.
- She succeeded on her first attempt.
- I still remember the first time I saw her.
Origin of FIRST
Middle English, from Old English fyrst; akin to Old High German furist first, Old English faran to go — more at fare
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to FIRST
Other Number-Related Terms
2first
adverbDefinition of FIRST
1
a : before another in time, space, or importance b : in the first place —often used with of all c : for the first time
2
: in preference to something else : sooner
Examples of FIRST
- I have to pay him first.
- These problems are not as simple as they first appear.
- I loved her when I first saw her.
- This word was first recorded in the 19th century.
- We'll get started soon, but first we have to make sure everyone is here.
First Known Use of FIRST
before 12th century
Related to FIRST
- Antonyms
- involuntarily, unwillingly
Other Number-Related Terms
3first
nounDefinition of FIRST
1
: one that is number one in a series — see number table
2
: something that is first: as a : the first occurrence or item of a kind b : the first forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle c : the highest or chief voice or instrument of a group d : an article of commerce of the finest grade e : the winning or highest place in a competition, examination, or contest
Examples of FIRST
- Her solo flight across the Atlantic was a remarkable first.
- They were responsible for several engineering firsts.
- I couldn't get the car out of first.
- take a first in English
First Known Use of FIRST
13th century
Other Number-Related Terms
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