Words / B1

i-NISH-uh-lee/ɪˈnɪʃəli/

Initially means at the beginning: initially walk-in; initially refused. Initial is the adjective (already in the dictionary). At first is everyday; originally can mean from the start in a slightly different way. Clinics: initially walk-in, then booked slots.

Meaning

At the beginning.

Examples

• “The clinic was initially walk-in, then switched to booked slots.”
• “She initially failed the theory test, then passed in March.”

Good to know

initially + past / adjective. Adjective: initial. Everyday: at first. Contrast: later / subsequently. Service-design changes.

Near in meaning

at first

New