AT FIRST Meaning and
Definition
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"At first" is an adverbial phrase that refers to the initial or beginning stage of a situation, event, or process. It conveys the idea of something occurring or being experienced initially or at the outset, before any subsequent developments or changes took place.
When used in a temporal context, "at first" often denotes the earliest point in time; it signifies the commencement or start of an action, behavior, or sequence of events. It typically implies that there may be subsequent developments or alterations in the succeeding stages or moments.
In addition to temporal usage, "at first" can also be employed to describe one's initial impressions, opinions, or judgments about someone or something. It expresses the notion of the initial perception or belief held about a person, situation, or object, which may be subject to change or further evaluation over time.
Furthermore, "at first" can signify the initial position or standpoint one holds about a particular subject matter, which may evolve or be modified as more information or experiences are gained. This phrase suggests that the perception or understanding one has initially may alter or evolve as more insights are acquired or as circumstances unfold.
Overall, "at first" highlights the initial stage, perception, or position that one holds or experiences, emphasizing the possibility of subsequent changes, developments, or shifts in the situation or individual's viewpoint.
Top Common Misspellings for AT FIRST *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for AT FIRST
- zt first
- st first
- wt first
- qt first
- ar first
- af first
- ag first
- ay first
- a6 first
- at dirst
- at cirst
- at virst
- at girst
- at tirst
- at rirst
- at furst
- at fjrst
- at fkrst
Etymology of AT FIRST
The phrase "at first" is a combination of the preposition "at", which often indicates a specific point in time or place, and the adjective "first", which means the initial or earliest in a sequence or order. Individually, both words have unique etymologies.
The preposition "at" derives from the Old English word "æt", which evolved from the Proto-Germanic root *at. This root has parallels in other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "at", Old Frisian "et", and Gothic "at". Ultimately, this word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂éd, meaning "near, at".
On the other hand, "first" originated from the Old English word "fyrst", influenced by the Old Norse "fyrstr".
Idioms with the word AT FIRST
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love at first sight
The idiom "love at first sight" refers to an intense passion or strong affection felt immediately upon meeting someone for the first time. It implies a sudden and powerful attraction that is often described as a profound and overwhelming emotional connection, without prior knowledge or deep understanding of the person.
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at first glance
The idiom "at first glance" means forming an initial judgment or opinion about something or someone based solely on a quick or superficial observation or impression. It refers to making a snap assessment before looking more deeply or gathering more information.
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at first glance/sight
The idiom "at first glance/sight" refers to forming an immediate or initial impression about someone or something based on a quick observation or superficial encounter. It suggests making judgments or assumptions before having a deeper understanding or knowledge about the person or situation.
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at first sight
The idiom "at first sight" refers to forming an immediate impression or feeling about something or someone upon initial observation, without further investigation or analysis. It implies a strong and often instant attraction, interest, or judgment based solely on superficial appearance or first impressions.
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at first light
The definition of the idiom "at first light" is:
Refers to the time just after sunrise or the first appearance of light in the morning. It describes the early hours of the day or the moment when the sky starts to brighten, usually used to indicate the start of an event or an activity.
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at first hand
The idiom "at first hand" means experiencing or witnessing something directly, without any intermediary or second-hand information. It refers to having personal and immediate knowledge or understanding of a situation, event, or occurrence.
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at first blush
The definition of the idiom "at first blush" refers to a situation or appearance that is initially perceived or understood without deeper analysis or thought. It means forming an initial impression or judgment based on a first quick look or superficial understanding.
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if at first you don't succeed, try, try again
The idiom "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" means that one should persist and keep trying even if they do not succeed in their initial attempt. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges or achieving goals.
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If at first you don't succeed
The definition of the idiom "if at first you don't succeed" is a phrase used to encourage perseverance or resilience in the face of initial failures or setbacks. It suggests that if one's initial attempt or efforts fail, they should keep trying or make further attempts in order to eventually achieve success.
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If at first you don't succeed, (try, try, and try again).
The idiom "If at first you don't succeed, try, try, and try again" means that if you fail in your initial attempt at something, you should persist and continue making further attempts. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and not giving up easily in the face of obstacles or failures.
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at first
"At first" is a phrase used to indicate the initial stage or first part of a process, experience, or situation. It is often used to describe the beginning or starting point of something.
Similar spelling word for AT FIRST
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