initially

adverb B2 Neutral

Academic Business Daily Life

Meaning

Initially refers to the first stage or beginning of a process or situation before any changes occur.

💡 A common mistake is to confuse "initially" with "initial," which is an adjective.

Example Sentences

Did you initially understand the instructions clearly ?

Initially , I thought the meeting would be very short .

Initially , the project required additional funding to meet deadlines .

Initially , the project seemed difficult but became easier later .

Word in Context

Initially , I planned to spend the afternoon cleaning my apartment , but a friend called and invited me for a walk . We walked to a nearby park where the trees were already showing early signs of spring and people sat on benches reading . While we talked about small , everyday things , I realized I needed a break from my usual routine . After the walk , I returned home and finished the cleaning more calmly , taking the time to organize my books . This simple change made the rest of my evening feel more relaxed and productive .

Common Phrases

initially planned initially intended initially proposed

Related Words

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