initial

¹ini·tial

adj \i-ˈni-shəl\

Definition of INITIAL

1

: of or relating to the beginning : incipient <his initial reaction>

2

: placed at the beginning : first <the initial word of the verse>

— ini·tial·ly \i-ˈni-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

— ini·tial·ness \i-ˈni-shəl-nəs\ noun

Examples of INITIAL

1. <you've resolved my initial complaint, but now I have a new question>

Origin of INITIAL

Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French iniciel, from Latin initialis, from initium beginning, from inire to go into, from in- + ire to go — more at issue

First Known Use: 1526

Related to INITIAL

Synonyms: earliest, foremost, headmost, inaugural, first, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer, premier, virgin

Antonyms: final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating, ultimate

Related Words: ancient, early, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive, primordial; antecedent, preceding, previous

Near Antonyms: advanced, late; consequent, ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding; penultimate

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Rhymes with INITIAL

altricial, comitial, judicial, official, simplicial, solstitial, surficial