first
Looking for the meaning of first? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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The person or thing in the first position.
“He was the first to complete the course.”
The first gear of an engine.
Something that has never happened before; a new occurrence.
“This is a first. For once he has nothing to say.”
First base
“There was a close play at first.”
A first-class honours degree.
A first-edition copy of some publication.
A fraction of an integer ending in one.
“one forty-first of the estate”
Preceding all others of a series or kind; the ordinal of one; earliest.
“I was the first runner to reach the finish line, and won the race.”
Most eminent or exalted; most excellent; chief; highest.
“Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece.”
Before anything else; firstly.
“Clean the sink first, before you even think of starting to cook.”
For the first time;
“I first witnessed a death when I was nine years old.”
Understanding "first"
The word **"first"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/fɪrst/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"first"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "first" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "first" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "first" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /fɪrst/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "first" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "first" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "first" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "first". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/fɪrst/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "first" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use first in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "first" can be used in academic and casual conversations.