Correct spelling for the English word "initial" is [ɪnˈɪʃə͡l], [ɪnˈɪʃəl], [ɪ_n_ˈɪ_ʃ_əl] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
The term "initial" can be used as an adjective or noun, and it refers to the beginning or earliest stage of something. As an adjective, it characterizes or describes the first stage, step, or act of a particular process or activity. It can also signify something that is done or occurring at the beginning or commencement of an event, occasion, or period.
As a noun, "initial" denotes the first letter of a person's name or a word, often written in a larger font size or with special decorative elaboration. It can also refer to a person's signature or monogram.
The word "initial" is frequently employed in various contexts, such as in scientific research, where researchers often carry out preliminary or first-level experiments to collect data before proceeding to further investigations. In business, it may refer to the early stages of a project or the first steps taken towards establishing a new company or venture. Additionally, in legal matters, "initial" can signify the act of signing or affixing one's initials to a document as a form of authorization or confirmation.
In essence, "initial" represents the introductory or starting point of different endeavors, serving as a fundamental and essential aspect of a process or entity.
Incipient, relating to a beginning.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Beginning; placed or being at the beginning.
• That which begins; the first letter of a word or proper name.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "initial" originated from the Latin word "initialis", which stems from the noun "initium", meaning "beginning" or "entrance". The term was adopted into the English language from French in the late 16th century, signifying "of or pertaining to a beginning". Over time, it came to specifically refer to the first letter of a name or word.