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initial Definition

ini·tial (i nis̸h′əl)

adjective

having to do with, indicating, or occurring at the beginning the initial stage of a disease, the initial letter of a word

Etymology: < Fr or L: Fr < L initialis < initium, a beginning < inire, to go into, enter upon, begin < in-, into, in + ire, to go < IE base *ei- > Goth iddja

noun

  1. a capital, or uppercase, letter; specif.,
    1. an extra-large capital letter at the start of a printed paragraph, chapter, etc.
    2. the first letter of a name
  2. Biol. a primordial cell that determines the basic pattern of derived tissues; specif., a meristematic cell

transitive verb -·tialed or -·tialled, -·tial·ing or -·tial·ling

to mark or sign with an initial or initials

initial Synonyms

initial

modif.

beginning, opening, original, primary; see first 1, fundamental 1, introductory 1.

initial Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • carve: Bron notices the way a friend rubs a thumb in the hollow of his wrist and Kelly sees initials carved on a pencil case.
  • use: An annex to this report lists and explains the initials used in it.
  • have: Not only did you have the same initials as President Kennedy, but you had the pedigree.
  • see: Bron notices the way a friend rubs a thumb in the hollow of his wrist and Kelly sees initials carved on a pencil case.
  • find: Presently he found the correct initials, but not the number twenty-eight, representing the man's age.

Adjective modifier

  • Spanish: The Institutional Revolutionary Party ( PRI in its Spanish initials ) government of the state will be put aside on July 5.
  • same: Not only did you have the same initials as President Kennedy, but you had the pedigree.
  • correct: Presently he found the correct initials, but not the number twenty-eight, representing the man's age.

Modifies a noun

  • phase: At the initial phase only cases imposing either death penalty or maximum imprisonment term will be handled by jury trial.
  • stage: In its initial stage the revolutionary party will no doubt comprise a tiny minority.
  • consultation: Good luck with your initial consultation, we found ours really good.
  • assessment: An initial assessment is carried out by the vet.
  • inquiry: We will guide you from your initial inquiry to the end of your party, with the finest of details discussed & remembered.
  • reaction: The initial reaction is often to think the worst.

Modifying Another Word

  • only: Preparatory concentration, parikamma samaadhi, is only initial concentration.
  • first: We were told to teach first initial then final sounds and then medial vowel sounds.
  • much: There has also been much initial anxiety about the interpretation of new standards and how to manage the flexibility available in the assessment regime.
  • then: If you are interested or want to know more then initial contact should be made through Len at the email address below.

Possessives

  • owner: Corners bumped, a little faint browning, owner's initials ( dated 1858 ) on contents page, good.

Used with adjective complement

  • plan: Quot usagencies has can be accessed are planning initial the proposal an over-reaction.