initial

Happening at or near the beginning of something.

• My initial reaction was surprise.
• The initial cost was quite low.
• After initial training, she started work.

Similar words: first, early

Opposites: final

Common phrases: initial stage, initial reaction, initial cost, initial response

Coming first in a word, line, or other ordered group.

• The initial letter is a capital.
• Listen carefully to the initial sound.
• Both words have the same initial consonant.

Similar words: first, opening

Opposites: final

Common phrases: initial letter, initial sound, initial consonant

The first letter of a name or word, often used instead of a full name.

• My first initial is L.
• Someone carved their initials into the bench.
• Please write your name and middle initial.

Common phrases: middle initial, first initial, an initial

A large or decorated first letter at the beginning of a chapter or section.

• The chapter opens with a red initial.
• Gold surrounds the painted initial.
• Each section begins with an elaborate initial.

Common phrases: decorated initial, illuminated initial, ornamental initial

To write the first letters of your names on a document, usually to show agreement.

• Please initial this page.
• She initialled the changes to the contract.
• Have you initialled every page of the agreement?

Common phrases: initial each page, initial a form, initial the changes, initial a contract