How Do You Spell A FIRST?

Pronunciation: [ɐ fˈɜːst] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "a first" is fairly straightforward. "A" is spelled just as it sounds (/ə/ in IPA), while "first" is a bit more complex. The "fir-" portion is pronounced /fɜr/ with a schwa vowel in the first syllable and a slightly rolled "r" sound in the second. The "-st" at the end is pronounced /st/ with a sharp "s" and a barely audible "t" sound. Overall, "a first" is spelled according to its pronunciation in the English language.

A FIRST Meaning and Definition

1. "A first" is a colloquial phrase used to describe something that is accomplished or experienced for the first time. It refers to a novel or unprecedented occurrence or achievement, often being noteworthy or significant in some way.

   The term "a first" typically applies to various areas of life, such as personal, professional, or historical events, where an action, event, or result has never happened before. It is commonly used when discussing milestones, breakthroughs, or groundbreaking moments that mark a new beginning or advancement in a particular field or domain.

   For instance, it can refer to a person's firsts like their first job, first car, or first time traveling to a specific place. It can also describe the first occurrence of a significant event, such as the first lunar landing, the first woman to hold a particular position, or the first-ever successful organ transplant.

   "A first" typically implies an element of novelty, signifying an important moment in time that sets a precedent for subsequent instances or acts as a catalyst for future advancements. It often carries a sense of excitement, achievement, or even astonishment, depending on the context in which it is used.

   In summary, "a first" denotes a pioneering or unprecedented event or accomplishment that has never before been witnessed or experienced, and often holds significance or influence for subsequent occurrences in a given field or individual's life.

Common Misspellings for A FIRST

• z first
• w first
• q first
• a dirst
• a cirst
• a virst
• a girst
• a tirst
• a rirst
• a furst
• a fjrst
• a fkrst
• a forst
• a f9rst
• a f8rst
• a fiest
• a fidst
• a fifst
• a fitst
• a fi5st

Etymology of A FIRST

The phrase "a first" is commonly used to refer to being the earliest, initial, or introductory instance of something. The etymology of the word can be understood by examining the origin of its constituents.

The word "first" originates from the Old English term "fyrst", which has Germanic roots. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "furistaz", meaning "foremost" or "foremost in time or place". This, in turn, derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*pre-" or "*per-", carrying the sense of "before" or "in front of".

The indefinite article "a" originates from the Old English word "an", which further dates back to the Proto-Germanic word "*ainaz". Its etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*oi-no-", which means "one".

Idioms with the word A FIRST

• there's a first time for everything The idiom "there's a first time for everything" means that new experiences or events can occur in life, even if they haven't happened before. It implies that people should be open to trying new things or accepting changes, as every experience or situation can be a learning opportunity.
• there’s a first time for everything The idiom "there’s a first time for everything" means that there is always a time in life for experiencing or attempting something new or unfamiliar. It suggests that one should not be afraid of trying new things, as every person will encounter new situations or opportunities at some point.
• on a first-name basis The idiom "on a first-name basis" refers to being familiar enough with someone to address them by their first name instead of a formal title or last name. It indicates a level of closeness or informality in a relationship.
• *on a first-name basis (with someone) Being on a first-name basis with someone means that you know them well enough that you can refer to them by their first name rather than using more formal titles or last names. It implies a level of familiarity and closeness in the relationship.