phrase · A2 · Often · both

at first

at first

Meaning of at first

at beginning

Learn at first with free cards in 30 seconds.

Check vocabulary level

10 minutes a day can add up to 3,000 words a year. Spaced flashcards bring each word back when it is time to remember it.

Free flashcards·10,000+ words in the database·scheduled reviews
How important is this word
A2Often

Learn this one early.

Pronunciation
EN-UK/ət ˈfɜːst/
EN-US/ət ˈfɝst/
at first
Active review

How many words can you learn in a year?

If you learn 8-10 new words a day and review them regularly with flashcards, you can cover about 3,000 words in a year.

ZapomniEnglish brings words back at the right time: difficult words appear more often, familiar words less often.

Not sure what pace to start with? Check your vocabulary level and we will suggest words for your level.

We count words you add to learning and review regularly. Active use grows gradually and depends on practice.

How many words you can add to active review
PacePer dayPer yearBest for
Easy3 words≈ 1,100 wordsstarting without pressure
Balanced5 words≈ 1,800 wordssteady growth
Recommended8 words≈ 2,900 wordsaround 3,000 words a year
Fast10 words≈ 3,650 wordsvisible vocabulary growth
Intensive15 words≈ 5,500 wordsstrong motivation

at first with Russian translation

at first usage examples

🇷🇺RU🇬🇧EN

Сначала приложение казалось запутанным, но теперь оно простое.

At first the app seemed confusing, but it is easy now.

🇷🇺RU🇬🇧EN

Сначала я учился сам, потом записался на курс.

At first I studied alone, then I joined a class.

Learn by topic

at first belongs to the topic "Adverbs of Frequency". Start with a short 7-word set so the word is easier to remember in context.

at firstсначала
onceодин раз
every dayкаждый день
every monthкаждый месяц
right nowпрямо сейчас
secondсекунда
hourчас

at first synonyms

Related words worth learning together

initially
Slightly more formal than 'at first', common in writing and descriptions of processes.
first of all
Common conversational and written phrase to introduce the first point or initial action.
early on
Informal phrase highlighting an early stage in a process or relationship.
Learn 3 related words for free
🇬🇧en

Slightly more formal than 'at first', common in writing and descriptions of processes.

B1Often

Initially, the project seemed impossible to finish on time.

F
🇬🇧en
first of all

Common conversational and written phrase to introduce the first point or initial action.

A2Very Often

First of all, thanks for coming.

E
🇬🇧en
early on

Informal phrase highlighting an early stage in a process or relationship.

B1Often

Early on we noticed several errors in the design.

What’s the difference

Related words and lists for at first

Questions about this word

at first meaning: what does it mean?

at beginning

at first pronunciation: how do you pronounce it?

at first is pronounced as /ət ˈfɜːst/. Audio is available on this page when the word has a recording.

at first definition and sentence examples: how is it used in a sentence?

At first the app seemed confusing, but it is easy now. Translation: Сначала приложение казалось запутанным, но теперь оно простое.

Is at first part of Adverbs of Frequency vocabulary?

Yes, at first can be learned in the Adverbs of Frequency topic. This semantic link helps build related word lists and topic-based practice.

Audio practiceExamplesSmart repeats

Learn at first in your vocabulary

Add this word to practice, repeat it with audio, examples and your own word lists.