Definition

Adverb * On the initial occasion; at the beginning of a sequence of events. This phrase is used to indicate that an action, event, or state is happening or being experienced for the very first time in a given context.

Usage

The phrase "for the first time" modifies a verb to specify that the action it describes is occurring as an initial occurrence. It is typically placed at the beginning or end of a clause for emphasis.

Examples

• She visited Paris for the first time last summer.
• For the first time, I understood the true meaning of the poem.
• The company is launching this product for the first time in the Asian market.
• He felt truly confident for the first time in his life.

Advanced Usage

• "For the first time in [period]": This construction emphasizes the length of time that passed before the first occurrence.
  • For the first time in decades, the two rival leaders met.
  • It snowed in the city for the first time in five years.
• "For the first time ever": This is a more emphatic variant, stressing the absolute novelty of the event.
  • Humans walked on the moon for the first time ever in 1969.

Variants and Related Words

• First (adverb): Can often be used interchangeably in many contexts, though "for the first time" can add slightly more emphasis on the novelty of the experience.
  • I first met her in 2010. (Compare to: I met her for the first time in 2010.)
• Initially (adverb): Refers to the beginning of a process or period, but not necessarily a single unique event.
  • Initially, I was opposed to the idea. (This refers to my first state of mind, not a one-time event.)

Synonyms

• Initially
• At first
• At the outset
• Originally

Antonyms

• For the last time
• Finally
• Subsequently
• Later

Adverb

1. the initial time
   • when Felix first saw a garter snake