Longman Language Activatorhappening, existing, done etc first►first
before everyone or everything else: · Laurie's name was first on the list.· I still remember my first day of school.· She had her first baby in 1998.· I've only read the first chapter, but it seems like a really good book.· The first thing I ever had published was an article for the Boy Scout magazine.
►first
before you do any other things, or before anything else happens: · I always read the sports page of the newspaper first.· Shall we go out now, or do you want to eat first?· I'll help you with your homework, but first let me finish the dishes.
►first of all
at the beginning, before other events or actions - use this especially to say what you should do or what you did do first: · First of all, fry the onions.· First of all, let me welcome everyone to the meeting.· First of all I went to tell my wife and then my daughter and son-in-law what had happened.
►original
use this about something that existed at the beginning, especially before a lot of things were changed: · The house still has its original stone floors.· Our original plan was to go camping, but it was pouring with rain.
►initial
use this to talk about what happened at the beginning of a process or activity or what someone felt at the beginning, especially when this changes later: initial response/reaction/feeling etc: · My initial reaction was one of complete disbelief.· After the initial shock, people adjusted to the new circumstances.initial difficulties/problems/setbacks etc: · Initial difficulties with the computer system were soon fixed.initial stage/trial/step etc: · I was only involved in the initial stages of the planning.· Classes in gun handling are recommended as the initial step for those who want to own a handgun.
►earliest
happening or existing before all others: · "The Comedy of Errors" is one of Shakespeare's earliest plays.· The earliest form of transport was probably some kind of sledge.· Ginger was one of the earliest oriental spices known to Europeans.
►the first time
use this to say that something happens that has never happened before: the first time (that): · The first time I went on a plane I was really nervous.· It was the first time that she had seen her mother cry.for the first time: · For the first time, representatives from the two countries will talk at a conference table.
►unprecedented
something that is unprecedented has never happened before and is usually unexpected: · An unprecedented number of cars entered the race.· The police took the unprecedented step of publishing the victim's photograph.· The depression that started in mid-1929 was a catastrophe of unprecedented dimensions for the United States.
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES►somebody's earliest memory
· My earliest memory is of being bitten by a dog.
►at the first/earliest opportunity
(=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY►at the earliest
He'll arrive on Monday at the earliest.
But the borrower must cooperate with the lender, particularly by answering correspondence and making contact at the earliest possible moment.
Cosby is expected to testify, but not until Monday at the earliest.
If you are wrongfully dismissed, you should therefore seek alternative employment at the earliest opportunity.
It should be noted that this type of shelf should be replaced with something more suitable at the earliest opportunity.
It was not associated with the occult until the eighteenth century at the earliest.
It was then decided that the attack should be made on the next morning, at the earliest hour practicable..
The first set might not show up until 1998 at the earliest.
The full inquests will be heard in May at the earliest, with families hoping at last to discover the truth.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES►at your earliest convenience
We should be grateful if you would reply at your earliest convenience.
Could you therefore please telephone me at your earliest convenience?
I also enclose a Medical Assessment Card which you should complete and return at your earliest convenience.
at the earliest no earlier than the time or date mentioned: Work will begin in October at the very earliest.