Meaning of “Firstly”
“Firstly” is an adverb used to introduce the first point or reason in a sequence of statements. It is commonly used in formal writing and speech to list items in an organized manner. It is often followed by “secondly,” “thirdly,” and so on to indicate subsequent points.
Synonyms of “Firstly”
Below is a categorized list of synonyms for “firstly,” ranked based on their strength of match.
Strongest Matches
These words or phrases are direct replacements and carry the same structured tone.
- First
- To begin with
- At first
- In the first place
- Primarily
- Most importantly
Strong Matches
These words are synonymous in meaning but may slightly differ in usage or formality.
- Initially
- Foremost
- First and foremost
- Principally
- Predominantly
Weak Matches
These words or phrases have a related meaning but may not always serve as direct substitutes.
- Before anything else
- Once
- Early on
- At the outset
- Beforehand
Example Sentences Using “Firstly”
- Firstly, we need to analyze the budget before making any purchases.
- Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for attending this meeting.
- Firstly, the software must be installed before you can use its features.
- Firstly, let’s discuss the advantages of this approach before considering alternatives.
- Firstly, ensure that all safety measures are in place before starting the experiment.
Contextual Usage of “Firstly”
Formal Writing and Speeches
“Firstly” is often used in academic, professional, or formal writing, particularly when structuring an argument or listing points systematically.
Example: “Firstly, we must acknowledge the significance of climate change. Secondly, we should focus on sustainable solutions.”
Casual Conversations
In spoken English, “firstly” is sometimes replaced with “first” for a more natural flow.
Example: “First, let’s grab some coffee, then we can discuss the project.”
Academic and Research Writing
It is commonly found in essays and research papers to structure arguments logically.
Example: “Firstly, the study examines the impact of technology on education. Secondly, it evaluates its effectiveness.”
Related Words and Phrases
- Ordinal Numbers: Second, Third, Fourth
- Transition Words: Moreover, Furthermore, Consequently
- Time-Related Words: Initially, At the beginning, From the start
- Logical Sequence Words: Next, Then, After that
Additional Notes
- While “firstly” is grammatically correct, some style guides prefer “first” as it is considered simpler and more natural.
- “Firstly” should be used when listing multiple points; otherwise, “first” is generally preferred.
- Avoid using “Firstly” alone if there is no subsequent point (e.g., “secondly” or “thirdly”) in your statement.
Disclaimer
This page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, variations in usage may exist based on regional and contextual differences. Always refer to recognized style guides or professional writing standards for specific applications.
