Word a Day
initial
What does initial mean?
initial (adjective): chronologically first, early; of or pertaining to the beginning, cause or origin.
Definition: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
How do you use initial in a sentence?
- Our initial admiration for their efficiency gave way to disgust about their methods. (Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0)
- The initial stages of a syndrome may differ vastly from the final symptoms. (Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0)
How do you pronounce initial?
/ɪˈnɪʃəl/ (IPA, American English). The app reads every word aloud.
Where does initial come from?
From Middle French initial or directly from its Latin etymon initiālis (“of the beginning, incipient, initial”), from initium (“a going in, entrance”).
Etymology: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Test yourself: do you know “initial”?
Tap an answer to check it. The same questions the app asks.
What does “initial” mean?
having or involving or consisting of more than one part or entity or individual
Not quite: that's what multiple means.
chronologically first, early; of or pertaining to the beginning, cause or origin
Right! That's what “initial” means.
relying on or requiring a person or thing for support, supply, or what is needed
Not quite: that's what dependent means.
characterized by simplicity, especially something not carefully or expertly made
Not quite: that's what crude means.
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