First vs. Initial — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 24, 2024
"First" implies being the foremost in order or position, often indicating a rank, while "initial" refers specifically to the beginning or start of something.
Difference Between First and Initial
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"First" is used to denote the highest or top position in a sequence or series, such as in a race or competition. For example, the first person to cross the finish line wins. On the other hand, "initial" describes something that occurs at the beginning, such as the initial phase of a project, emphasizing the start rather than any order.
In terms of time, "first" can relate to occurrences beyond the beginning, indicating precedence in any sequence. For instance, the first day of school can be any day designated to start school activities. Conversely, "initial" is strictly associated with the commencement of events or conditions, like the initial symptoms of an illness.
"First" often carries an implication of many subsequent instances or a series, such as the first of many visits to a new place. In contrast, "initial" might refer to actions or states that are singular and introductory, such as initial negotiations before a formal agreement.
In everyday language, "first" can serve as an adjective, adverb, or noun, showing versatility in usage. For example, one might say, "I finished first in the race." Whereas "initial" is primarily used as an adjective, and it is more restricted in its application, typically describing nouns directly associated with beginnings, like in "initial impression."
In documentation and written communication, "first" is often used to list or prioritize items or stages, such as first steps in a manual. Meanwhile, "initial" is frequently used to denote the first letter of a name or the beginning terms of a contract, focusing more on the conceptual start.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Meaning
Foremost in position
Pertaining to the start
Usage
Adjective, adverb, noun
Primarily adjective
Connotation
Suggests a sequence
Marks the beginning
Example Contexts
Races, rankings
Stages, symptoms
Linguistic Flexibility
High
Limited
Compare with Definitions
First
Primary or preferred choice.
His first choice for college was MIT.
Initial
Preliminary phase of a project.
During the initial phase, keep communications open.
First
Highest in order or sequence.
She was the first to arrive at the meeting.
Initial
Of or relating to the beginning.
The initial steps of the process are crucial.
First
Innovator or pioneer.
He was the first to propose this theory.
Initial
First letter of a name.
Her initials are J.S.
First
Foremost in time or space.
The first house on the left is mine.
Initial
Starting point of something.
Mark the initial point on the map.
First
Before anything else.
First, let’s address the budget issues.
Initial
Early stages of a process.
The initial reaction was surprisingly positive.
First
The ordinal number matching the number one in a series.
Initial
In a written or published work, an initial or drop cap is a letter at the beginning of a word, a chapter, or a paragraph that is larger than the rest of the text. The word is derived from the Latin initialis, which means standing at the beginning.
First
The one coming, occurring, or ranking before or above all others.
Initial
Of, relating to, or occurring at the beginning; first
Took the initial step toward peace.
First
The beginning; the outset
From the first.
At first.
Initial
Designating the first letter or letters of a word.
First
(Music) The voice or instrument highest in pitch or carrying the principal part.
Initial
The first letter of a proper name.
First
The transmission gear or corresponding gear ratio used to produce the range of lowest drive speeds in a motor vehicle.
Initial
Initials The first letter of each word of a person's full name considered as a unit
Stationery monogrammed with her initials.
First
The winning position in a contest
Finished the season in first.
Initial
The first letter of a word.
First
First base.
Initial
A large, often highly decorated letter set at the beginning of a chapter, verse, or paragraph.
First
A first baseman.
Initial
To mark or sign with initials, especially for purposes of authorization or approval.
First
Corresponding in order to the number one.
Initial
Chronologically first, early; of or pertaining to the beginning, cause or origin.
Our initial admiration for their efficiency gave way to disgust about their methods.
The initial stages of a syndrome may differ vastly from the final symptoms.
First
Coming before all others in order or location
The first house on your left.
Initial
Spatially first, placed at the beginning, in the first position; especially said of the first letter of a word.
The initial letter of names is usually printed with a capital letter.
First
Occurring or acting before all others in time; earliest
The first day of spring.
Initial
The first letter of a word or a name.
First
Ranking above all others, as in importance or quality; foremost
Was first in the class.
Initial
In plural, the first letter of each word of a person's full name considered as a unit.
You can get your initials printed at the top.
First
(Music) Being highest in pitch or carrying the principal part
First trumpet.
Initial
A distinguished initial letter of a chapter or section of a document.
First
Of, relating to, or being the transmission gear or corresponding gear ratio used to produce the range of lowest drive speeds in a motor vehicle.
Initial
(phonology) onset, part of a syllable that precedes the syllable nucleus in phonetics and phonology.
First
Of, related to, or being a member of the US president's household
First daughter Sasha Obama.
Initial
(transitive) To sign one's initial(s), as an abbreviated signature.
Please initial each page and sign the contract in full at the bottom.
First
Before or above all others in time, order, rank, or importance
Arrived first.
Forgot to light the oven first.
Initial
Of or pertaining to the beginning; marking the commencement; incipient; commencing; as, the initial symptoms of a disease.
First
For the first time.
Initial
Placed at the beginning; standing at the head, as of a list or series; as, the initial letters of a name.
First
Rather; preferably
Would die first.
Initial
The first letter of a word or a name.
First
In the first place; to begin with; firstly.
Initial
To put an initial to; to mark with an initial of initials.
First
Preceding all others of a series or kind; the ordinal of one; earliest.
Hancock was first to arrive.
The first day of September 2013 was a Sunday.
I was the first runner to reach the finish line, and won the race.
Initial
The first letter of a word (especially a person's name);
He refused to put the initials FRS after his name
First
Most eminent or exalted; most excellent; chief; highest.
Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece.
The first violinist
Initial
Mark with one's initials
First
Of or belonging to a first family.
Initial
Occurring at the beginning;
Took the initial step toward reconciliation
First
Before anything else; firstly.
Clean the sink first, before you even think of starting to cook.
I plunged nose first into the water.
First
For the first time.
I first witnessed a death when I was nine years old.
First
Now.
First
(uncountable) The person or thing in the first position.
He was the first to complete the course.
First
(uncountable) The first gear of an engine.
First
(countable) Something that has never happened before; a new occurrence.
This is a first. For once he has nothing to say.
First
First base
There was a close play at first.
First
A first-class honours degree.
First
A first-edition copy of some publication.
First
(in combination) A fraction whose (integer) denominator ends in the digit 1.
One forty-first of the estate
First
(obsolete) Time; time granted; respite.
First
Preceding all others of a series or kind; the ordinal of one; earliest; as, the first day of a month; the first year of a reign.
First
Foremost; in front of, or in advance of, all others.
First
Most eminent or exalted; most excellent; chief; highest; as, Demosthenes was the first orator of Greece.
It is the intention of the person to reveal it at first hand, by way of mouth, to yourself.
See, Father, what first fruits on earth are sprungFrom thy implanted grace in man!
First
Before any other person or thing in time, space, rank, etc.; - much used in composition with adjectives and participles.
Adam was first formed, then Eve.
And all are fools and lovers first or last.
First
The upper part of a duet, trio, etc., either vocal or instrumental; - so called because it generally expresses the air, and has a preëminence in the combined effect.
First
The first or highest in an ordering or series;
He wanted to be the first
First
The first element in a countable series;
The first of the month
First
The time at which something is supposed to begin;
They got an early start
She knew from the get-go that he was the man for her
First
The fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed at first base
First
An honours degree of the highest class
First
The lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle; used to start a car moving
First
Preceding all others in time or space or degree;
The first house on the right
The first day of spring
His first political race
Her first baby
The first time
The first meetings of the new party
The first phase of his training
The last time I saw Paris
The last day of the month
Had the last word
Waited until the last minute
He raised his voice in a last supreme call
The last game of the season
Down to his last nickel
First
Indicating the beginning unit in a series
First
Serving to set in motion;
The magazine's inaugural issue
The initiative phase in the negotiations
An initiatory step toward a treaty
His first (or maiden) speech in Congress
The liner's maiden voyage
First
Serving to begin;
The beginning canto of the poem
The first verse
First
Ranking above all others;
Was first in her class
The foremost figure among marine artists
The top graduate
First
Highest in pitch or chief among parts or voices or instruments or orchestra sections;
First soprano
The first violin section
Played first horn
First
Being the gear producing the lowest drive speed;
Use first gear on steep hills
First
Before anything else;
First we must consider the garter snake
First
The initial time;
When Felix first saw a garter snake
First
Before another in time, space, or importance;
I was here first
Let's do this job first
First
Prominently forward;
He put his best foot foremost
Common Curiosities
Can "first" be used as an adverb?
Yes, "first" can be used as an adverb, as in "I first met him in 2010."
What does "first" signify in a sequence?
"First" signifies the top or earliest position in any ordered sequence.
What is the difference in use between "first" and "initial" in technical writing?
In technical writing, "first" is used to guide procedures or steps, whereas "initial" might describe preliminary conditions or settings.
Is "initial" only an adjective?
Primarily, "initial" is used as an adjective, although it can function as a noun when referring to initials.
Can "initial" refer to time?
"Initial" can refer to the start of a period in time, such as the initial years of a new era.
How do "first" and "initial" compare in academic contexts?
In academic contexts, "first" can denote priority or sequence in a list, while "initial" often refers to introductory concepts or studies.
Is there a noun form for "first"?
Yes, "first" can also be a noun, referring to the person or thing that is ranked at the top.
What implies a series, "first" or "initial"?
"First" implies a series or subsequent items, whereas "initial" focuses on the beginning stage.
How is "initial" typically used in terms of phases?
"Initial" is used to describe the very beginning or first phase of a process.
Does "initial" have a specific role in legal documents?
In legal documents, "initial" can denote the first terms agreed upon or the initials used to sign documents.
Which term is more likely to be used in day-to-day conversation, "first" or "initial"?
"First" is more commonly used in day-to-day conversation compared to "initial."
Which term is more versatile in speech, "first" or "initial"?
"First" is more versatile and can be used in various linguistic contexts compared to "initial."
How does "initial" contribute to understanding processes?
"Initial" helps in understanding the starting points or early phases of processes.
What role does "first" play in rankings?
"First" denotes the highest rank or precedence in any ordered list.
How do "first" and "initial" function differently in scientific research?
In scientific research, "first" might refer to initial findings or pioneers, while "initial" describes the early stages or set-up of experiments.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Grape vs. Mango
Next Comparison
Superficial vs. DeepAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
