at first

phrase

: at the beginning : initially

Examples of at first in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lorde’s and Parker’s letters are forthright and funny from the start, but the other writers are reticent and polite at first. — Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

In 2023 and 2024, Arraez, 29, spent far more time at first base (1,526 2/3 innings) than second (421). — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 13 July 2026

Monasterio started at first in place of Contreras on Saturday. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Agata, who at first barely acknowledges their connection, has been more independent, living with a roommate and working at the hospital, and recently getting serious with a boyfriend. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 11 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for at first

• accursed
• amerced
• cloudburst
• coerced
• conversed
• disbursed
• dispersed
• headfirst
• immersed
• outburst
• rehearsed
• reversed