Definitions and Examples of first, primary, initial
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Coming before all others in time, order, or importance.
Example
She won the first prize in the competition.
Of chief importance; principal.
Example
Education is a primary concern for parents.
Existing or occurring at the beginning.
Example
The initial stage of the project involves research and planning.
Key Differences: first vs primary vs initial
- 1First refers to the initial position or rank, while second refers to the position following the first.
- 2Primary denotes the most important or fundamental, while second is simply the next in line.
- 3Initial refers to the beginning of something, while second refers to the position following the first.
Effective Usage of first, primary, initial
- 1Ranking: Use first and second to describe the order of things or people.
- 2Importance: Use primary to emphasize the most important aspect of something.
- 3Chronology: Use initial to describe the beginning of a process or event.
Remember this!
The antonyms of second are first, primary, and initial. Use first and second to describe the order of things or people, primary to emphasize the most important aspect of something, and initial to describe the beginning of a process or event.