first
adjective
UKfɜːstUSfɝːst
earliest in order, rank, or importance
Example Sentences
She was the first person to arrive at the party.
Our first priority should be to ensure everyone’s safety.
He wore his first medal proudly after the competition.
This is the first book in the entire series of novels.
My first impression of the new restaurant was very positive.
Their first victory was celebrated by the entire team.
Arriving first at the venue, she took time to prepare the decorations before anyone else showed up.
Securing the first position in class required countless hours of late-night study sessions, unwavering dedication, and the perseverance to keep going despite repeated setbacks.
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adverb
UKfɜːstUSfɝːst
before anything else; for the initial time
Example Sentences
I would like to thank you first for coming here today.
Make sure to wash your hands first, then start cooking.
When trying a new recipe, I always read it through first.
If you wake up early, eat breakfast first before heading out.
She took a deep breath first, then dived into the pool.
He decided to check his email first and then reply to urgent messages.
First, I plan to outline the main points, and then I’ll dive into the details of each section.
We walked into the dark auditorium and, at first, could barely see anything, but once the stage lights brightened, we found our seats and settled in for the performance with great anticipation.
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noun (countable)
UKfɜːstUSfɝːst
the position or person that comes before all others in a race, competition, or sequence
Example Sentences
He claimed first in the marathon this year.
The results showed that our team took first in the competition.
Earning first was a dream come true for the young singer.
You must practice every day if you want to achieve first.
She held the trophy high, proud to be in first.
They stayed humble despite consistently finishing in first.
After a fierce battle, our debate team finally took first, a testament to their rigorous practice and unwavering teamwork.
Securing first in the national rankings brought them a sense of accomplishment that words could scarcely describe, fueling their motivation to strive even higher.
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How to Use
Earliest or topmost in rank or sequence.“First” is used to designate the earliest position in a sequence or the highest rank in a hierarchy. It can function as an adjective (“first attempt”), an adverb (“I first met her in college”), or a noun (“He came in first”). In writing, use “first” to structure points clearly: “First, outline your argument; second, provide examples; and third, conclude.” This helps readers follow a logical progression. You might also highlight primacy or uniqueness: “She is the first woman to hold that office.” In everyday conversation, “first” is equally useful to order tasks or events: “First, we’ll stop by the store, then grab lunch.” In formal contexts, you can introduce key topics: “My first point concerns budget constraints.” Whether denoting rank, sequence, or priority, “first” ensures clarity in both spoken and written communication by establishing an unambiguous starting point or the highest level of importance in any given list or category.
Alternatives
Words and phrases that share similar meanings with “first” include “initial,” “primary,” “foremost,” “leading,” and “topmost.” “Initial” underscores the very beginning of a process or event. “Primary” can hint at main importance or fundamental priority. “Foremost” highlights prominence or outstanding status above others. “Leading” implies a sense of guidance or trendsetting, while “topmost” literally signifies highest placement. For instance, when describing the first step in a procedure, using “initial” might emphasize that other steps will follow, whereas calling it “primary” can stress its importance or foundational quality. If you want to point out that something outshines all else in a particular domain, “foremost” or “leading” can convey the idea of being at the apex. By selecting a word that best matches your context—whether it’s a procedural list, a status ranking, or a display of importance—you ensure your message is both precise and suitably nuanced.
Writing
When using “first” in writing, clarity and structure are key. “First” often appears as a signpost to help readers navigate your text, ensuring logical flow and organization. For example, in persuasive or expository writing, starting with “First” prepares readers for a sequence of points—“First, let’s review the current situation.” Incorporating “first” can also underline primacy and precedence, be it a historical milestone—“He was the first inventor to patent such a machine”—or a top-ranked competitor in a field. Vary your vocabulary when necessary; if you repeat “first” too often, it might lose impact. Consider synonyms like “initial” or “primary,” particularly when referring to foundational steps or concepts, which can help maintain a more dynamic tone. Additionally, ensure that each subsequent point follows a clear structure—“Second,” “Next,” or “Finally”—to keep your argument or narrative cohesive. In academic, professional, or creative contexts, using “first” effectively helps establish hierarchy, importance, and direction in your writing.
Casual Conversation
In daily conversation, “first” is a go-to word for placing emphasis on what happens before anything else. For instance, you might say, “First, I’m going to grab coffee; then I’ll meet you at the park.” It helps people follow your plan or sequence of events with minimal confusion. When coordinating with friends, you might use it to prioritize tasks: “First we set the table, then we start cooking.” You can also use “first” when giving personal rankings or preferences—“My first choice of movie tonight is a comedy.” While “first” is simple, remember that being too repetitive can make your speech sound monotone. Try swapping “initially” or “to start with” in informal chat just to keep your language lively. Still, “first” remains incredibly handy for everyday tasks, from errands to scheduling. It's direct, universally understood, and keeps casual conversation running smoothly.
Etymology
“First” hails from Old English “fyrst,” tracing back to Proto-Germanic roots of similar meaning. Across centuries, its core function has remained largely the same: indicating the earliest point or highest rank in an order. The concept of precedence has been vital in human societies, from the earliest records of competition in ancient civilizations to modern-day ceremonies and contests. It’s no surprise the word has hardly changed in meaning—“first” embodies a fundamental idea: establishing what comes before all else. Interestingly, many cultures track lineage, victories, or records meticulously, further underscoring how deep-rooted and indispensable the notion of “first” is in language and history. Whether in age, rank, or simply ordering tasks in day-to-day life, “first” remains a timeless linguistic marker of distinction.
