Master confusing words with ease
First vs. Firstly
First
/fɜːst/Examples:
Athos rose first, saying, "it is late, then....Emma's answer was ready at the first word."Kyūzō Sukune, first grade, second class, Hiroshima Prefectural First Middle School."
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Firstly
/ˈfɜːstli/Examples:
'It is only Firstly.Firstly, people generally don't like taking responsibility.Firstly, ensure that all documents are signed.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- First can be used to indicate priority or sequence without explicitly using second or third.
- Firstly is typically used when followed by subsequent points, like secondly, thirdly, etc.
- In formal writing, firstly is often avoided, especially if there are no subsequent points.
- Both words can be used to start a list, but first is often preferred for brevity.
- Remember: first is often more flexible, while firstly sets up a structured sequence.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd