Word: Initial

Pronunciation

/ɪˈnɪʃəl/

Definitions

• Adjective: Being first or earliest in a series or order; coming before all others. Example: “The initial chapter introduces the main characters.”
  • As a Noun: The first letter or letters of a word, often used as a design element or abbreviation. Example: “Her initials are J.S.”
  • In a Legal Context: A person’s first name and surname initial, typically used to sign documents. Example: “Please write your initials next to each item you agree with.”

Phrases

• “Initial phase”: The very beginning or first stage of a process or project.
• “Initial reaction”: The immediate response or impression upon encountering something for the first time.
• “Initials only”: Referring to signing or marking something using just the first letters of one’s given names and surname.

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “Our initial plan was to meet at noon.”
• Noun (letters): “She embroidered her initials onto the handkerchief.”
• Noun (legal): “Both parties signed their initials to indicate agreement on the terms.”

Synonyms

• First
• Beginning
• Commencement
• Start
• Opening
• Abbreviated form (as a noun referring to initials)
• Monogram (in the context of decorative initials)