initially

adverb

ini·​tial·​ly i-ˈni-sh(ə-)lē 

: at the beginning : at first

The reason I initially came here was to find work.

It turned out that the situation was not as serious as we had initially believed.

Initially, the symptoms are mild.

Synonyms

• firstly
• originally
• primarily

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The outcome marks a major win for McCarthy, who overcame discontent from the right flank of his party and squeezed spending concessions out of the White House after Biden initially refused to negotiate. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 1 June 2023

Some arrests, including for low-level amounts of marijuana during traffic stops, appeared to have little to do with border security, and some Texas National Guard troops initially complained of low morale, late paychecks and having little to do. —Sarah Rankin, ajc, 1 June 2023

The decision was initially met with excitement from investors, but that soon changed into skepticism. —Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune, 31 May 2023

Jankowski, a senior attacker, initially thought Peterson, a redshirt junior attacker, was in pain after absorbing a stick to the head. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 31 May 2023

The Athletic initially reported the Pistons' ongoing interest and the range of their potential contract offer. —Andrew Birkle, Detroit Free Press, 31 May 2023

The bill initially banned Chinese citizens, including those living and working in Alabama, from buying property in the state. —Mike Cason | [e-mail], al, 31 May 2023

Mikesell initially kept records for himself but began to recognize his accomplishment later in life, and hoped future generations might use his data. —Robin Donovan, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 May 2023

This period began in mid-January after the debt ceiling was initially breached. —Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 31 May 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

circa 1628, in the meaning defined above