Synonyms for

Firstly

Verb / ˈfɜ:stli: / Another word for firstly — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Firstly means 'in the first place' or 'as the first point or thing'.

Synonyms & similar words

first firstoff firstofall foremost initially primarily originally earlier preliminarily introductory opening preceding preliminary

Synonyms by register

Formal

initially primarily foremost principally

Informal

to start first off number one

Literary

in the first instance at the outset

Antonyms

lastly finally ultimately eventually subsequently subsequently

Common collocations

  • firstly, it is important
  • firstly, we must consider
  • firstly, the evidence suggests
  • firstly, the main reason
  • firstly, the first point
  • firstly, the initial step

Word family

adverb firstly

Usage note

Used to introduce the first point in a list or series of arguments. It is often paired with 'secondly', 'thirdly', etc.

Example sentences

  1. Firstly, I need to finish my homework before I can play outside.
  2. We need to buy some groceries. Firstly, let's make a list of what we need.
  3. Firstly, we need to clean the house before our guests arrive.
  4. Firstly, we have to wake up early tomorrow to catch our flight.
  5. Firstly, we should introduce ourselves before we start the meeting.

Quotes

  • Firstly, I would like to thank the Academy for this tremendous honor. - Leonardo DiCaprio
  • Firstly, I'm not a science-fiction writer. - Michael Crichton
  • Firstly, I'm an actor, not a politician. - Arnold Schwarzenegger

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