firstly

firstly
adverb (sentence adverb) used to say that the fact or reason that you are going to mention is the first one and will be followed by others: Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this success. USAGE NOTE: FIRSTLY WORD CHOICE: firstly, first (of all), in the first place, to start/begin with, at first, in the beginning Firstly/first (of all)/in the first place/to start with/to begin with are often used to introduce a series of reasons, ideas, remarks etc: There are three reasons why I don't like him: first(ly)/to start with he's rude, second(ly) he's a liar, and third(ly)/finally he owes me money. You use first (of all) (NOT firstly) to introduce a series of actions, often in order of time: First of all I get dressed, next I bring in the paper, then I fix breakfast. At first can only be used for a period of time, often when you are comparing it with a later period. To start/begin with and in the beginning can be used in this way too: You'll find it difficult at first/to begin with, but later/soon it'll get easier.

Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Firstly — First ly, adv. In the first place; before anything else; sometimes improperly used for first. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • firstly — index ab initio Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • firstly — 1530s, but never a common word (simple first usually serving its place), from FIRST (Cf. first) + LY (Cf. ly) (2) …   Etymology dictionary

  • firstly — ► ADVERB ▪ in the first place; first …   English terms dictionary

  • firstly — [fʉrst′lē] adv. in the first place; first: used chiefly in enumerating topics …   English World dictionary

  • firstly — [[t]fɜ͟ː(r)stli[/t]] ADV: ADV with cl/group You use firstly in speech or writing when you want to give a reason, make a point, or mention an item that will be followed by others connected with it. The programme is now seven years behind schedule… …   English dictionary

  • firstly — adverb /ˈfɜrstli/ In the first place; before anything else; first. Firstly, I continue to base most species treatments on personally collected material, rather than on herbarium plants. Secondly, I continue to base my concepts on intensive study… …   Wiktionary

  • firstly — See first, firstly, secondly …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • firstly — first|ly S2 [ˈfə:stli US ə:r ] adv [sentence adverb] used to say that the fact or reason that you are going to mention is the first one and will be followed by others →↑finally, lastly ↑lastly ▪ Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has… …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • firstly */*/ — UK [ˈfɜː(r)s(t)lɪ] / US [ˈfɜrs(t)lɪ] adverb 1) used for beginning a list of events that happened, or for saying what will happen first 2) used for beginning a list of reasons, arguments etc Firstly, this car looks awful, and secondly, it s… …   English dictionary

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