Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Occurring at the beginning: Describes something that is first in a sequence, process, or series.
   • Relating to the first stage: Pertaining to the earliest point or phase of something.

2. Noun:

   • The first letter of a word, especially a name: A single letter that stands for the first part of a word, most commonly used for personal names.
   • (Plural: initials): The first letters of a person's names in the order they appear, used as a concise identifier.

3. Verb:

   • To mark or sign with one's initials: To write the first letters of one's names as a form of signature, approval, or identification on a document.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The initial plan was successful, but we had to adapt later.
  • Her initial reaction was one of surprise.
• Noun:
  • The initial 'J' stands for James.
  • Please write your initials at the bottom of each page.
• Verb:
  • Please initial this document to confirm you've read it.
  • The artist initialed the corner of the painting.

Advanced Usage

• "Initial public offering (IPO)": The first sale of a company's stock to the public.
  • The tech company's initial public offering was highly anticipated.
• "Initial stage/phase": The very beginning period of a process.
  • The project is still in its initial phase.
• "Initial impression": The first opinion or feeling formed about someone or something.
  • My initial impression of the city was very positive.

Variants and Related Words

• Initially (adverb): At the beginning.
  • Initially, I disagreed, but I changed my mind.
• Initialism (noun): An abbreviation consisting of initial letters pronounced separately (e.g., FBI).
  • 'NASA' is an initialism for National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Synonyms

• Adjective: First, beginning, opening, primary, introductory, commencing.
• Noun: First letter, abbreviation.
• Verb: Sign, endorse, autograph.

Related Phrases

• To initial off on something: To give formal approval by signing with initials.
  • The manager needs to initial off on the budget report.
• Initial here: An instruction to place one's initials at a specific marked spot.
  • The form said, "Initial here to accept the terms."

Idioms

• Initial shock: The first, often intense, reaction to surprising or bad news.
  • After the initial shock, she began to process the information calmly.
• Get the initial nod: To receive preliminary or first approval.
  • Our proposal got the initial nod from the committee.

Adjective

1. occurring at the beginning
   • took the initial step toward reconciliation

Noun

1. the first letter of a word (especially a person's name)
   • he refused to put the initials FRS after his name

Verb

1. mark with one's initials