Definition

Noun The lowest forward gear in a motor vehicle's transmission, providing the most torque and least speed, primarily used to begin moving the vehicle from a stationary position.

Usage

"First gear" is used to refer to the initial gear selected to start a vehicle's motion. It is the starting point in a standard manual or automatic transmission sequence.

Examples

• The car stalled because he released the clutch too quickly in first gear.
• You must be in first gear to start moving on a steep hill.
• After stopping at the traffic light, she shifted back into first gear.

Advanced Usage

• "To start off in first gear": To begin an endeavor with the most basic or fundamental step.
  • In this training program, we start off in first gear with the core principles before moving to advanced techniques.
• "Stuck in first gear" (idiomatic): Describing a situation, project, or person that is failing to progress or accelerate.
  • The negotiations have been stuck in first gear for weeks with no sign of a breakthrough.

Variants and Related Words

• First (noun, in this context): A common shortened form in automotive contexts.
  • Put it in first and slowly release the clutch.
• Low gear: A more general term that can be synonymous with first gear or refer to any gear providing high torque and low speed.
• Gear one (1): A numerical designation, especially on a gear shift knob.

Synonyms

• Low gear
• Starting gear

Antonyms

• High gear
• Top gear

Related Phrases

• Shift into first gear: To change the transmission to the first gear setting.
  • He shifted into first gear and began to climb the slope.
• Pull away in first gear: To begin driving from a stop.
  • The driver pulled away smoothly in first gear.

Noun

1. the lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle; used to start a car moving