first (A1)

adjective, adverb, ordinal number

Pronunciation: /fɜːrst/

Definition

Coming before all others in order, time, or importance.

Examples

• This is the first time I've visited this city.

• He was the first man on the moon.

• The first chapter of the book introduces the main characters.

How to Use first

first of all (collocation)

Used to introduce the most important point or the first item in a list. — "First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for coming."

first thing (collocation)

Happening very early in the morning or as the first action. — "I need to call the bank first thing tomorrow."

first-hand (collocation)

Directly from the original source. — "He has first-hand experience of working in a hospital."

Synonyms of first

Words with a similar meaning to first:

• initial
• primary
• earliest
• foremost

Antonyms of first

Words with the opposite meaning to first:

• last
• final

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