adverb
initially
At the beginning.
The new routine initially feels strange, but it gets easier.
Etymology
Initial belongs to the word family of beginning. The adverb locates an event or condition at the first stage, before later developments.
More examples
- Initially, we planned to stay for only one night.
- The store initially sold shoes before adding clothing.
- Repairs cost more than we initially expected.
Forms
initial adjective — Existing or occurring at the beginning.
Similar words
- originally
- Emphasizes an earlier state that may have since changed.
- first
- Often marks the earliest step or item in a sequence.