initial
initial
Pronunciation
IPA phonetic spelling for "initial": /ɪˈnɪʃəl/
Breakdown of sounds:
First syllable:
/ɪ/ - short "i" sound, as in "bit"
/n/ - "n" sound
Second syllable:
/ˈɪʃ/ - stressed syllable with a short "i" sound followed by a "sh" sound
Third syllable:
/əl/ - "l" sound followed by a schwa sound (a neutral vowel sound)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
initial (singular)
initials (plural) - referring to the first letters of a name or word
Verb:
initial (present tense)
initiated (past tense)
initiating (present participle)
initiated (past participle)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Definition: The first letter of a name or word.
Synonyms: first letter, beginning letter
Antonyms: final letter, last letter
Example: Please sign your initials at the bottom of the page.
Verb
Definition: To start or begin something.
Synonyms: commence, initiate, inaugurate, launch
Antonyms: conclude, finish, terminate
Example: She initiated the project with a passionate speech.
Adjective
Definition: First or earliest.
Synonyms: first, primary, original, introductory
Antonyms: final, last, concluding
Example: The initial response to the news was positive.
Examples of Use
Noun:
Legal documents: "Please sign your initials at the bottom of each page."
Text messages: "I'll meet you at J.P.'s at 8pm."
Historical texts: "The initial battles of the Civil War were fought in Virginia." (Source: A History of the American Civil War)
Verb:
News articles: "The company initiated a new product line." (Source: The New York Times)
Business reports: "We will initiate the project on Monday."
Personal correspondence: "I'm initiating a new fitness routine."
Adjective:
Scientific papers: "The initial results of the experiment were promising." (Source: Nature)
News broadcasts: "The initial reports suggest a major earthquake."
Everyday conversation: "I had an initial meeting with the new boss."
These examples demonstrate the versatility of the word "initial" in various contexts, from formal to informal and across different media.
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Initial
"The initial step towards success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself." — Mark Caine
"Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use." — Earl Nightingale (implies the importance of the initial step)
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step—the initial step that breaks inertia." — Lao Tzu (paraphrased to highlight the initial move)
"The initial spark of an idea can become a beacon of hope for the world." — Anonymous
"Never underestimate the power of an initial idea—it can change everything." — Anonymous
"The initial push is always the hardest—once the wheel is in motion, momentum will carry you forward." — Anonymous
"The initial decision to act is what separates dreams from reality." — Anonymous
"When the initial excitement wears off, let discipline carry you through." — Anonymous
"An initial failure is not the end, but the beginning of learning." — Anonymous
"The initial intention shapes the final outcome—start with purpose." — Anonymous
Etymology
The word "initial" comes from the Latin word "initium," which means "beginning" or "entrance." This Latin word was made up of two parts: "in," meaning "in" or "into," and "ire," meaning "to go."
So, when we say "initial," we're really talking about something that's at the very beginning or start of something. The first known use of the word "initial" in English was around the 1500s, and it was used to describe something that was at the beginning or first part of something.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Initial
Phrases:
Initial public offering (IPO)
Initial investment
Initial reaction
Initial appearance
Initial velocity
Less Common Idioms:
"To get off on the right foot" - This idiom, while not directly using "initial," implies a positive beginning or initial impression.
"A fresh start" - Similar to "initial," this phrase suggests a new beginning or a clean slate.
"First impressions last" - This emphasizes the importance of the initial interaction or judgment.
While "initial" doesn't lend itself to many colorful idioms, its core meaning of "beginning" or "first" is often implied in various phrases and expressions.
Posts Related to Initial
Source Information
Definition of initial from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
