Initial Meaning
Initial Definition & Usage
Relating to or occurring at the beginning or start of something.
Examples
- "The initial steps in setting up the business were quite challenging."
- "Her initial reaction was one of surprise and confusion."
- "The initial phase of the project was focused on research and planning."
- "The initial cost of the product is high, but it becomes more affordable over time."
- "In his initial speech, he emphasized the importance of community involvement."
The first letter of a name or word, often used as an abbreviation.
Examples
- "He signed his name with the initial 'J'."
- "The initials of the company are 'ABC Corp.'"
- "Her initials are M.T., which stand for Maria Thomas."
- "Use the initials 'L.A.' to refer to Los Angeles."
- "The initials on the envelope were hard to decipher."
To sign or mark something with initials.
Examples
- "Please initial the bottom of each page to confirm your agreement."
- "She initialed the form to indicate her approval."
- "I asked him to initial the contract before I sign it."
- "The teacher asked us to initial the assignment sheet to show we had read the instructions."
- "Before submitting, make sure to initial each section for verification."
Cultural Context
The word 'initial' has roots in Latin, stemming from 'initialis,' meaning 'beginning.' It is commonly used to describe the starting phase of any process or event, but its use is not limited to actions. It also plays an essential role in identifying individuals or entities through their initials, especially in bureaucratic or legal documents.
The Beginning of a New Venture
Story
The Beginning of a New Venture
On a bright spring morning, Sarah walked into the office for her first day at the startup. It was the initial step in what she hoped would be a successful career. The office was still in its initial phase of setup; papers were scattered across desks, and the air smelled of fresh paint. Her boss, David, welcomed her with a brief speech, explaining how they were still laying the groundwork for their company. As he spoke, Sarah noticed the initials 'D.A.' on the sign-in sheet, marking the company as 'David Associates.' She felt both nervous and excited as she initialed the document to confirm her attendance. A few hours later, Sarah was given the task of preparing an initial marketing strategy for a potential client. She felt the pressure of this first assignment, knowing that her ideas would set the tone for the company's future. She spent the rest of the day drafting ideas, her mind constantly returning to her initial impressions of the company—hopeful, yet uncertain. As the day drew to a close, Sarah couldn't help but think about the word 'initial' and how it perfectly described this moment—new, uncertain, yet full of possibilities.
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