initial
gb/ɪnˈɪʃəl/ us/ɪnˈɪʃəl/
A2
English
~ 1800
kezdeti, első, kezdőbetű, monogram
B1
1
Usage pattern:
the initial [stage/phase/plan]
The initial phase of the project went smoothly.
A projekt kezdeti szakasza zökkenőmentesen zajlott.
Her initial reaction was one of surprise.
Az első reakciója a meglepetés volt.
We made some changes to the initial plan before starting.
The initial design needed several improvements.
His initial response was cautious but positive.
Learner examples
The initial plan was simple.
A kezdeti terv egyszerű volt.
My initial feeling was happy.
Kezdetben boldognak éreztem magam.
We met in the initial class.
This is the initial step in the game.
The initial test was easy.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'initial' with 'first' in everyday speech; 'initial' is more formal and often used in written or professional contexts.
Meaning
Happening at the start
Collocations
initial stage
|initial phase
|initial plan
|initial reaction
|initial steps
Synonyms
first (More general and informal; can refer to order without implying a process or sequence.)
|
early (Suggests occurring near the beginning, often in a broader time frame.)
Antonyms
final (Refers to the last stage or part of something, opposite of beginning.)
|
subsequent (Refers to something that happens after the initial stage.)
Themes
time
|process
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Happening at the start of something.
Occurring at the beginning of something.
NOUN
A2
2
Usage pattern:
to write one's initials
Please write your initials at the bottom of each page.
Kérjük, írja a monogramját minden oldal aljára.
The bag had her initials embroidered on it.
A táskára a monogramját hímezték.
His initials are carved into the tree.
I forgot to put my initials on the form.
The company logo includes the founder's initials.
Learner examples
My initials are J.S.
A monogramom J. S.
Please write your initials here.
Kérjük, írja ide a monogramját.
He put his initials on the paper.
The cup has my initials on it.
I see your initials on this book.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'initials' (plural) with 'signature'; initials are just the first letters, not the full name.
Meaning
First letter of a name
Collocations
write initials
|sign with initials
|engrave initials
Synonyms
monogram (A design made by combining initials, usually decorative.)
Themes
language
|writing
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The first letter of a name or word.
The first letter of a word, especially a person's name.
Grammar
Dictionary form
initial
IPA
GB/ɪnˈɪʃəl/
US/ɪnˈɪʃəl/
Syllables & stress
ini - tial (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tial)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: initial
Noun
- Base: initial
- Plural: initials
Word family
Forms
initials
noun
Core family
initially
adverb B1
Related words
initialize
verb
initialization
noun
Negative and opposite forms
final
adjective A2
Advanced or less common
initiate
verb B2
initiation
noun B2
Expressions
initial public offering
1/ɪnˈɪʃəl pˈʌblɪk ˈɔfɚɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
First sale of company shares
When a company sells its stock to the public for the first time.
Examples
- The company raised millions through its initial public offering.
- Many investors are excited about the upcoming initial public offering.
initial public offering
1/ɪnˈɪʃəl pˈʌblɪk ˈɔfɚɪŋ/
fixed phrase
business
first sale of stock publicly
The first time a company sells shares on the stock market.
Examples
- The startup is planning an initial public offering next year.
- The initial public offering valued the company at over $2 billion.
- After its initial public offering, the company faced stricter reporting rules.
initial reaction
1/ɪnˈɪʃəl ɹiˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
First response to something
The first feeling or thought you have about something.
Examples
- Her initial reaction was to laugh.
- My initial reaction to the news was shock.