Definition

Adverb: At the moment of initial observation or upon first consideration; based on the immediate appearance or first impression.

Usage

This adverb is used to describe an initial judgment, reaction, or appearance of something before further examination or deeper thought. It often introduces a perspective that may later be revised.

Examples

• When first seen,

Advanced Usage

• Formal/Report Writing: Used to structure an argument by presenting an initial, possibly superficial, viewpoint before a more nuanced analysis.
  • The data, when first seen, supported the hypothesis, but controlling for external variables told a different story.
• Narrative: Used to describe a character's immediate perception of a scene, person, or object.
  • The stranger, when first seen from a distance, was an intimidating figure.

Variants and Related Words

• At first glance/blush: Very close synonyms, often used interchangeably with "when first seen" to mean based on an initial, cursory look.
  • At first glance, the contract seemed fair.
• Initially: A more general adverb for "at the beginning," which can be used in similar contexts.
• Superficially: When meaning "as it appears on the surface," this can be a related concept.

Synonyms

• At first glance
• At first blush
• On the face of it
• Ostensibly
• Apparently (in its sense of "as far as one can see")

Antonyms

• Upon closer inspection
• After careful consideration
• In reality
• Ultimately

Adverb

1. as a first impression
   • at first blush the offer seemed attractive