B2adverb 2K

Initially

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪˈnɪʃəli/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪˈnɪʃəli/"]/

Meaning of Initially

at the beginning

In simple words: At first; in the beginning.

Initially in a sentence

• Initially, the system worked well.
• More people had been infected than was initially thought.
• He was initially reluctant to join the project.
• The scientific work will be conducted, **at least initially**, at our laboratories.
• The death toll was initially reported at around 250, but was later revised to 300.
• Students were initially sceptical about the idea.
• My contract is initially for three years.
• The ban was initially opposed by the US.

How to use Initially

Use 'initially' to describe something that happens at the start. It’s suitable for both written and spoken English but is more common in formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'initial' in the word—like the start or first letter of something.

Related words

Collocations with Initially

• initially thought
• initially planned
• initially focused

Synonyms for Initially

• at first
• to begin with
• originally
• primarily

Opposites of Initially

• finally
• ultimately
• later

Common mistakes with Initially

• Using 'initial' as an adverb instead of 'initially'.
• Confusing 'initially' with 'ultimately' (which has the opposite meaning).
• Placing 'initially' in the wrong position in a sentence.

Frequently asked questions about Initially

What does Initially mean?

At first; in the beginning.

What is the definition of Initially?

at the beginning

How do you use Initially in a sentence?

Initially, the system worked well.

Can you give another example of Initially?

More people had been infected than was initially thought.

What are synonyms for Initially?

Common alternatives include at first, to begin with, originally, primarily.

What is the opposite of Initially?

Opposite meanings include finally, ultimately, later.

What words go with Initially?

It commonly pairs with initially thought, initially planned, initially focused.

What are common mistakes when using Initially?

Using 'initial' as an adverb instead of 'initially'. Confusing 'initially' with 'ultimately' (which has the opposite meaning). Placing 'initially' in the wrong position in a sentence.

How do you pronounce Initially?

US: /["/ɪˈnɪʃəli/"]/, UK: /["/ɪˈnɪʃəli/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Initially?

Use 'initially' to describe something that happens at the start. It’s suitable for both written and spoken English but is more common in formal contexts.

What CEFR level is Initially?

"Initially" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.