initial
gb/ɪnˈɪʃəl/ us/ɪnˈɪʃəl/
A2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Happening at the start
Happening at the start of something.
Usage pattern:
the initial [stage/phase/plan]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'initial' with 'first' in everyday speech; 'initial' is more formal and often used in written or professional contexts.
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.)
Collocations
initial stage
|initial phase
|initial plan
|initial reaction
|initial steps
Themes
time
|process
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The initial phase of the project went smoothly.
- Her initial reaction was one of surprise.
- 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.
- My initial feeling was happy.
- We met in the initial class.
- This is the initial step in the game.
- The initial test was easy.
Noun
A2
entity
2
First letter of a name
The first letter of a name or word.
Usage pattern:
to write one's initials
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'initials' (plural) with 'signature'; initials are just the first letters, not the full name.
Synonyms
monogram (A design made by combining initials, usually decorative.)
Collocations
write initials
|sign with initials
|engrave initials
Themes
language
|writing
|communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Please write your initials at the bottom of each page.
- The bag had her initials embroidered on it.
- 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.
- Please write your initials here.
- He put his initials on the paper.
- The cup has my initials on it.
- I see your initials on this book.
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.