First Meaning
First Definition & Usage
Indicating the initial position in a sequence or order.
Examples
- "She was the first to arrive at the meeting."
- "The first chapter of the book sets the tone for the rest of the story."
- "I met him on my first day at the job."
- "This is my first time visiting New York."
- "He finished first in the race."
The person or thing that holds the initial or leading position in a series.
Examples
- "She was the first to speak at the event."
- "The first in line was a celebrity."
- "He was the first to volunteer for the project."
- "The first of the series is often the most memorable."
- "The first in the family to attend college, he made history."
At the beginning, initially.
Examples
- "First, let me explain the rules."
- "First, we will have breakfast, and then we can start the meeting."
- "He first noticed the problem during the inspection."
- "She first heard about the event from her friend."
- "First, we need to make sure all the details are correct."
To place in the first position or prioritize.
Examples
- "We need to first address the safety concerns before proceeding."
- "You should first consider your budget before making any decisions."
- "The team first focused on improving the user experience."
- "First, we need to gather more data before taking action."
- "He will first look into the financial aspects of the project."
Cultural Context
The word 'first' has its roots in Old English and has been used throughout history to refer to the beginning or the earliest point of something. It has been a fundamental concept in many cultures, symbolizing leadership, priority, or the beginning of a sequence.
The First to Lead
Story
The First to Lead
At a small company on the edge of innovation, a young and ambitious employee named Max had always been the first to raise his hand during meetings. It wasn't that he had all the answers, but his enthusiasm and willingness to take on challenges had earned him the admiration of his colleagues. One Monday morning, Max found himself sitting in the conference room with his team, waiting for the meeting to begin. The manager, Sarah, who had been with the company for years, began the session by introducing a new project. It was a massive undertaking, one that would require a great deal of coordination and leadership. Sarah, knowing Max's potential, immediately turned to him. 'First, Max, would you like to take the lead on this project?' she asked. Max's heart skipped a beat. He had been preparing for this moment for a long time, but it still felt surreal. He had been the first to volunteer in every project meeting, but this was different. This was his chance to prove he could be the first to lead. 'Yes, absolutely,' Max replied, standing up and feeling the weight of the responsibility. As the meeting progressed, he outlined his plan, placing his team first in every decision. He made sure everyone felt included and prioritized, ensuring that no one was left behind. Weeks passed, and the project flourished under his leadership. He had made sure to gather first-hand information from every department and consulted with his colleagues first before making any final decisions. The team saw him as a true leader—someone who had placed their needs first, even before his own. Eventually, the project was completed successfully, and the company reaped the rewards. Max had not only become the first to lead the project but had also become the first in the company to prove that leadership wasn’t just about being in front—it was about putting others first. His story became an example of what it meant to be truly 'first' in spirit. The word 'first' had taken on new meaning for Max. It wasn’t just about position; it was about priorities, vision, and ensuring others were given the opportunity to shine.
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