单词 | first |
释义 | first1 adjectivefirst2 adverbfirst3 nounfirst4 pronoun firstfirst1 /fɜːst $ fɜːrst/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective ![]() ![]() MENU FOR firstfirst1 in a series2 for the first time3 main4 in the first place5 in the first instance6 at first glance/sight7 first things first8 (at) first hand9 first prize/place10 first choice11 first thing12 at first light13 make the first move14 not have the first idea about something15 the first flush of something16 job title17 first among equals18 of the first water Word OriginWORD ORIGINfirst1 ExamplesOrigin: Old English fyrstEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES Thesaurus
Longman Language Activatorhappening, existing, done etc first► first Collocations 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. first in a race or competition► be first/come first/finish first to be the person who wins a race or a competition: · Jones came first in the 200 metres.· Maryam was first to cross the line, in just 12 seconds.· Krzystof finished first among the 147 professional cyclists. when something is the first thing you want to say► firstly/first spoken say this to introduce the first fact, reason, or question, when you are going to mention several more things: · I wanted to change schools, firstly because I didn't like the teacher and secondly because it was too far away.· First, may I say that I am extremely grateful for the trust my colleagues have put in me.· African leaders are worried, firstly about the official flow of aid, and also about levels of private investment. ► first of all spoken say this when the reason you are giving first is the most important one: · Freddy, first of all, I didn't flirt with him. He flirted with me.· I called the book "Drum Planet" because first of all, there are drums in every culture. ► to start/begin with spoken say this when your reason or fact is the most easy to see or understand: · To start with, one of the biggest problems in the classroom is that the kids don't get enough discipline at home.· Working at home is a good option, because, to begin with, what's the point of driving two hours a day just to sit in front of a computer? ► in the first place also for a start British spoken say this when you are arguing or discussing something with someone and you are going to give the main reason that proves that what you are saying is true: · In the first place, they have a more experienced team, so they're more likely to win.· We haven't made a decision, because, in the first place, we do not know enough at this point.· For a start, someone's sex should not matter in a job interview. ► before I start spoken say this when you are going to say something before you start the main part of a speech or talk to a group of people: · Before I start, I'd like to thank everyone for coming.· All right, before I start, could everyone please stand up and introduce themselves. someone's first performance, appearance, or speech► debut someone's first public performance, especially in a play, a film or a sport: · "Little Man Tate" was Jodie Foster's directorial debut.debut for: · This is his debut for his new club, Manchester United.make your debut: · Charlie Chaplin made his film debut in 1913. ► premiere the first public performance of a play or film: · I've been invited to the premiere of the new Schliessman play.world premiere (=the first performance anywhere in the world): · Music-lovers gathered in Boston for the world premiere of Gershwin's opera, "Porgy and Bess".film/movie premiere: · "Singing in the Rain" begins with its stars attending a movie premiere. ► maiden: maiden voyage/flight/speech the first one that a particular ship, aircraft, or person makes: · The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.· Two jets crashed on their maiden flights last year.· The new prime minister admitted that her maiden speech had been too long. ► inaugural: inaugural lecture/address/speech etc one that an important person does or makes when they first start a new job: · The inaugural address drew a large audience.· Professor Eston gave the inaugural lecture in 1860. to do something that has never been done before► be the first to do something · The Spanish were the first to keep cattle in the American deserts.· She was the first to see the link between poverty and poor health.be the first person to do something · Yuri Gagarin became the first man to fly in space. ► show the way/lead the way to be the first to do something, especially something good or successful, which may encourage others to do something similar: · Once the Japanese had shown the way, manufacturers in other countries soon began to use robots on a large scale.lead the way in doing something: · The company has led the way in developing environmentally friendly products. ► never been done/attempted/tried before use this about something someone does or tries to do that no-one has ever done before: · The special effects in the movie included things that had never been done before.· Because of advances in technology, we are able to try something that has never been attempted before. ► pioneer to be the first to invent or find a new method of doing something, and make it possible or easier for others to do the same: · He pioneered techniques for photographing moving objects.· Heart-transplant surgery was pioneered by Professor Christiaan Barnard. ► pioneering using new and better methods or ideas for the first time: · Her pioneering work in the field of education will be remembered.· Cowley's pioneering development of modern emergency medicine helped save countless lives. ► break new ground if someone or their work breaks new ground , their work is completely new and different from anything that existed before: · Roosevelt's social reform program broke new ground.· The album is enjoyable, but breaks no new ground.· There's a lot of new ground being broken in the field of genetic research. ► break the mould British /mold American to be the first to do something in a different way from the way it was usually done before: · The governor urged teachers to break the mold in establishing new ways of teaching.· The new party promised to break the mould of British politics. something that is the first► a first something that has never been done or achieved by anyone before and is therefore surprising or exciting: · If an animated film was nominated as best picture, it would be a first.a first in: · Roger Bannister's four-minute mile was a notable first in the history of athletics.· During the 1960's, the Soviet Union achieved a series of firsts in space exploration.a first for: · Delivering a baby on the job was a first for the two police officers. ► prototype the first model of something, especially of a machine or a new invention, that is often improved in later models: · No damage to the prototype aircraft was reported after its first test flight.prototype of: · Pilots have begun testing a prototype of the new aircraft.· The prototype of this particular computer was developed by an American in 1975.prototype for: · Within a year, the company expects to have a prototype for military use. ► original something such as a picture or a piece of writing that is not a copy but is the one produced for the first time by the artist or writer themselves: · I wasn't sure whether the portrait was an excellent copy or the original.· This is a photograph of the manuscript. The original is in the city museum. ► first-generation first-generation computers, machines etc were the first ones of their type to be produced, and are the ones that later computers, machines etc of the same type are based on: · The first-generation digital televisions cost over $2000.· There were a variety of problems common to first-generation computer software programs. basic ideas or principles► basics the basic ideas, principles, rules etc, on which something is based: the basics (of something): · I still haven't mastered the basics of English grammar.· You need to learn the basics before you can start writing your own music.get back to basics: · Unless we get back to basics in teaching, the standard of literacy will fall. ► the fundamentals formal the most basic ideas, principles etc on which a subject is based: the fundamentals of: · This course provides an opportunity to learn more about the fundamentals of film-making.· Police have launched a campaign to educate children about the fundamentals of traffic safety. ► first principles the most basic ideas, principles etc on which a subject is based, and which you need to understand first or consider first before you can learn any more: · No one can become a scientist without a knowledge of the first principles of mathematics.return/go back to first principles: · To understand Keynesian theory we have to return to first principles. to happen or exist before someone or something else► come before · The paragraph says basically the same thing as the one that came before.come before something · The salad usually comes before the main course.· In the Greek alphabet, the letter delta comes before the letter epsilon. ► precede formal to come just before something else in a pattern or series: · In English, the subject precedes the verb.· On vehicle licence plates in the UK, the numbers are preceded by a single letter. ► predate if one historical event or object predates another, it happened or existed before it: · Many economic systems predate capitalism.predate something by 10/50/200 etc years: · The steam engine predates the internal combustion engine by at least 100 years. ► lead up to if an event leads up to another event, it comes before it and often causes it to happen: · Monroe still refuses to talk about the events which led up to his resignation.· The book describes some of the events leading up to the First World War. ► come first if one of two events comes first , it happens before the other event: · The rains came first, then the storms. ► be a prelude to something formal or written if an event is a prelude to a more important event, it happens just before it and often makes people expect it: · The air-strike was just a prelude to the invasion.· The revolution of 1789 was a prelude to a more just and equal society. early in the morning► early early in the morning: · I always wake up early when the weather's warm.· Early the next day, Jamie received a call from his mother.make an early start (=start an activity or journey early in the morning): · If we make an early start we should avoid the worst of the traffic.in the early hours (=during the first hours of the day, when most people are asleep): · The robbery took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.early bird (=someone who gets up early in the morning): · Jack was always an early bird; he did a lot of his work before dawn. ► first thing especially spoken if you do something first thing , you do it immediately after you get up or as soon as you start work: · I'll telephone her first thing, I promise.first thing tomorrow/Wednesday/in the morning etc: · Leave it on my desk and I'll deal with it first thing tomorrow. ► at the crack of dawn informal use this to emphasize that something happens very early in the morning, when most people are still in bed: · My Dad used to get up at the crack of dawn every Sunday to go fishing. ► bright and early if you get up bright and early , you get up very early in the morning, especially because there is something that you want to do: · Geoffrey was up bright and early on Saturday morning, and had everything packed before breakfast.· Waking bright and early, I went for a swim and took the dog for a walk. the one you like better than any others► favourite British /favorite American your favourite colour, food, teacher etc is the one you like more than all other colours, types of food etc: · My favourite colour is purple.· Who is your favorite singer?· Proceeds from the concert will go to the singer's favorite charities. ► like best especially spoken to like something better than other things - use this especially when you are asking someone to choose or when you are choosing: · Which of these dresses do you like best?like something best: · I think I like the red one best. ► preferred formal the preferred method, plan etc is the one that people think is the best: · Steaming is the preferred method of cooking in Central Asia.· Seventeen percent of likely voters picked Stark as their preferred candidate. ► first choice the thing or person you like best and would choose first when you have several to choose from: · Frances was our first choice as a name for the baby.· Parents choosing schools for their children are rarely given their first choice.first choice for: · Atkins was the producers' first choice for the part of the maid.first choice of: · Twenty-six percent of the students said that teaching was their first choice of occupations. ► preference when someone likes one thing or person rather than another: · There are definite regional preferences amongst our clients.· Oil or vinegar may be added for a more bland or sharp sauce, according to your preference.preference for: · Adams expressed her preference for New York, despite the fact that she's lived in California for six years. to see someone or something► see · I saw your brother in town this morning.· Have you seen my pen anywhere?· If you see either of these men, inform the police immediately.· Did you see a white van parked out here earlier today?· When did you last see your dog?see somebody doing something · I saw Matt coming out of the cinema with Jane.· I first saw her feeding the ducks in the park.see somebody do something · She saw him get into a Porsche driven by a dark-haired woman.· I didn't see her arrive because I had my back turned.see who/what/where etc · It was too dark for her to see who the woman was.· Have you seen what Jake's done to his bedroom?can see somebody/something · Shh! I can see someone moving in the bushes.see something with your own eyes (=see something or someone yourself, especially something strange or surprising) · 'How do you know it's true?' 'Because I saw it with my own eyes!' ► catch sight of/catch a glimpse of especially written to see someone or something for only a very short time, and not very clearly: · Rick caught sight of the driver's face as the car raced by.· Lynn caught a brief glimpse of herself in the mirror. ► spot to suddenly see someone or something that you have been looking for, or something interesting or unusual: · A resident spotted a man sitting in his car watching the explosion and notified the police.· He was spotted in the Manhattan area in mid-May.· I spotted this article about it in the paper. ► set eyes on also clap eyes on British to see someone or something -- use this either when talking about the time when you first saw them, or when saying strongly that you have never seen them or never want to see them again: · This was the woman he was going to marry -- he knew it the moment he set eyes on her.· I'd never clapped eyes on the guy before in my life.· I hoped we would never set eyes on one another again. ► witness to see something happen, especially an accident, a crime, or an important event: · Police are appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the attack.· The crash was witnessed by millions of viewers who were watching the race on TV. ► sight especially written to suddenly see something or someone from a long distance, especially when you have been looking for a long time: · The missing boys were sighted by a rescue helicopter.· At least ten birds have been sighted feeding on the lake this year.· We sighted a fishing boat in the distance. ► get a look (at) to be able to see someone or something clearly, even though you see them for only a very short time: get a good/proper look (at): · Hold it up to the light so I can get a proper look at it.· I don't think I could identify him. I didn't really get a good look.get a better look (at): · She stood on her toes to get a better look.get a close look (at): · I didn't get a close look at the driver, but I think he was middle-aged.· We drove into the prohibited zone, to get a closer look. ► see first hand also see at first hand British if you see first hand something that is happening, you see it yourself, rather than being told about it by someone else: · Travelling in rural Thailand, I saw first hand the devastating effects of economic reform. · Central News has been to South America to see at first hand the lives that Oxfam hopes to improve. to win a race, competition etc► win to win a race, competition, election etc, for example by getting more points, votes etc than everyone else or by being the first to finish: · No-one really expected the Socialist Party to win.win a race/game/election etc: · Chang won the first set but lost the next two.· The competition was won by a Nigerian student.win a prize/medal/cup etc: · His book won the Pulitzer Prize for literature.· What would you do if you won $1 million?win by 6 votes/2 goals etc (=win by getting 6 votes etc more than the other person or team): · He went ahead of Nolan, winning by 15 seconds.win 4-2/20-12 etc (=use this to show the final result of a game): · Do you remember our first game of the season? We won 3-1.win at cards/chess/tennis etc: · She always wins at Scrabble. ► finish first/be first/come in first also come first British to win a race or competition in which more than two people or teams are competing: · Who do you think will finish first?· The British team was first, followed closely by the Americans.· André Etienne came in first, having completed the course in record time.finish first/be first/come in first in: · An Australian runner came first in the marathon.· Sue finished first in two races -- the 50m backstroke and the 100m front crawl. ► first place the position of the person or team that wins a race or competition: in first place: · Johnson finished in first place, narrowly ahead of Green.win first place in: · My greatest achievement was winning first place in the Young Artist competition. ► get in British if a political party gets in , they win an election, and have the right to form a government: · Do you think Labour will get in again at the next election? COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY► the first thing/time/day etc Phrases![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() (=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps ► administer first aid![]() · I know I’m lazy – I’m the first to admit it! ► a first-floor/second-floor etc apartment· We had a fourth-floor apartment, and it was difficult going up and down all those stairs. ► than it first appears![]() · This is the band's last appearance in the UK before a 46-date tour of Europe. ► on the first/second etc attempt (also at the first/second etc attempt British English)· The car started at the second attempt. ► somebody’s first/18th/40th etc birthday· It’s Mum’s 50th birthday tomorrow. ► first-time buyers![]() · In the second half of the century, people's wages began to rise. ► come first/second etc![]() ![]() ![]() · Stuart came second in the swimming competition. ► be the first to complain (=be quick to complain)· He’s the first to complain if he thinks something is unfair. ► a first-class/second-class/third-class degree (=the level at which you pass a degree at a British university)· She was awarded a first-class degree. ► a first/undergraduate degree (=the lowest level of degree)· First degrees usually take three or four years. ► have first dibs on![]() · The second draft of the agreement contained a few important changes. ► first/second etc quarter earnings (=the amount a company earns during one of the four periods of three months that make up a financial year)· The company’s fourth quarter earnings are excellent. ► a first/second/third etc edition· The first edition was published in 1986. ► the first eleven![]() ![]() (=experience gained by doing something yourself)· She has no first-hand experience of running a school. ► first-hand experience (=experience gained from doing something yourself)· As a journalist living in Iraq, he had first-hand experience of coping with terror on his doorstep. ► finish first/second/third etc![]() ![]() · We’re moving into a first-floor flat. ► first foray![]() ![]() · The heavy traffic meant that we seldom got out of second gear. ► put the car etc into (first/second/third etc) gear· He put the car into gear, and they moved slowly forwards. ► engage first/second etc gear (=put the car into gear)· Nick struggled to engage first gear. ► the first/second half· Profits doubled in the first half of the year. ► dive/fall/jump/plunge head-first![]() ![]() (=the first time something has ever happened)· For the first time in history, an American president resigned his office. ► first/second/third class honours degree► a first-generation immigrant (=someone who is an immigrant, or whose parents were immigrants)· Her parents were first-generation immigrants from Poland. ► somebody’s first/initial/immediate impression· My first impression was that Terry’s version of the events was untrue. ► first impressions count (=the impression you make when you first meet someone is important)· When attending a job interview, remember that first impressions count. ► somebody's first/initial impulse· Her first impulse was to turn and walk away. ► somebody's first/initial instinct· His first instinct was to try and hide. ► the first interview (also the preliminary interview formal)· He felt the first interview had gone well. ► your first kiss· Where were you when you had your first kiss? ► don’t know the first thing about![]() (=knowledge from experiencing something yourself)· writers who had no first-hand knowledge of war ► somebody’s first/native language (=the language someone first learned as a child)· His first language was Polish. ► first/second/next etc in line for![]() · Your name will be first on my list.· Why am I always last on the list? ► love at first sight (=when you love someone as soon as you meet them)· For Marion and Ron it was love at first sight. ► somebody’s first/second etc marriage· She had two children from her first marriage. ► first thing in the morning (=at the beginning of the morning)· She set off first thing in the morning. ► the first move· She waited for Michael to make the first move. ► first-degree murder (also murder in the first degree) American English (=the most serious type of murder under U.S. law)· If convicted of first-degree murder, he will spend the rest of his life in prison. ► call somebody by their first/full etc name (=use that name when you speak to them)· Everyone called him by his first name. ► first-night nerves (=before the first night of a performance)· She always suffered from first-night nerves. ► a first offence· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison. ► at the first/earliest opportunity (=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity. ► the first part· In the first part of the book he describes his childhood. ► have/get first pick (of something)![]() ![]() · The package arrived by first-class post. ► first/second/last post (=the first, second, or last collection or delivery of letters each day)· The last post is at 5.30. ► first principles (=the most basic ideas that something is based on)· The researchers went back to first principles. ► the first priority· The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job. ► first/second etc prize· She won first prize in a poetry competition. ► the first/second etc quarter![]() ![]() ![]() · I wanted to be first in the queue when the doors opened. ► come first/last etc in a race (also finish first/last etc in a race)· She came third in the race. ► somebody’s first/initial/immediate reaction· His first reaction was to laugh. ► on first reading![]() (=from someone who saw what happened)· Some were beaten and tortured according to first-hand reports from former prisoners. ► the first sign of something (=the first thing that shows something is happening, or something exists)· They ran off at the first sign of trouble. ► the first step· The first step in resolving conflict is to understand what the other person wants. ► a first-year/second-year etc student (=in their first year, second year etc at college or university)· First-year students have an exam at the end of term. ► somebody's first/main task· Their first task was to rebuild the wall. ► the first team British English (=the team with the best players in a school, club etc)· He has played several times for the first team. ► the first/last day of term· On the last day of term we went home early. ► somebody’s first thought· My first thought was that a bomb had gone off. ► tie for first/second etc place![]() ![]() · This is his first try at directing. ► take the first/a wrong etc turn (=go along the first etc road) ► the original/first version![]() ![]() · The original version was in Latin but later editions were in English. PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► at first glance/sight 1in a series coming before all the other things or people in a series:
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THESAURUS► first/firstly Collocations used when mentioning the first in a list of reasons, arguments, or questions to consider: · I want you to consider these three points in your essay: first, what is the writer’s attitude to the war in this poem ...· There are several reasons for this conclusion. Firstly ... ► first of all used especially to emphasize that the first of several things you are going to say is the most important thing: · The content of the article must, first of all, be accurate.· First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last two years. ► in the first place spoken (also for a start British English) spoken used when giving the first and most important reason or example, especially when you are arguing or discussing something with someone: · Our main priority should be better public transport – in the first place to reduce the amount of traffic on our roads.· He’s not the right person for the job. For a start he’s too young. ► to begin with/to start with spoken used when telling someone the first and most important thing that you want to say: · There are numerous activities on offer. To start with there are over 60 miles of walks with splendid views.· Let me tell you something about him. To begin with, he is the most difficult man that I know. 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. first in a race or competition► be first/come first/finish first to be the person who wins a race or a competition: · Jones came first in the 200 metres.· Maryam was first to cross the line, in just 12 seconds.· Krzystof finished first among the 147 professional cyclists. when something is the first thing you want to say► firstly/first spoken say this to introduce the first fact, reason, or question, when you are going to mention several more things: · I wanted to change schools, firstly because I didn't like the teacher and secondly because it was too far away.· First, may I say that I am extremely grateful for the trust my colleagues have put in me.· African leaders are worried, firstly about the official flow of aid, and also about levels of private investment. ► first of all spoken say this when the reason you are giving first is the most important one: · Freddy, first of all, I didn't flirt with him. He flirted with me.· I called the book "Drum Planet" because first of all, there are drums in every culture. ► to start/begin with spoken say this when your reason or fact is the most easy to see or understand: · To start with, one of the biggest problems in the classroom is that the kids don't get enough discipline at home.· Working at home is a good option, because, to begin with, what's the point of driving two hours a day just to sit in front of a computer? ► in the first place also for a start British spoken say this when you are arguing or discussing something with someone and you are going to give the main reason that proves that what you are saying is true: · In the first place, they have a more experienced team, so they're more likely to win.· We haven't made a decision, because, in the first place, we do not know enough at this point.· For a start, someone's sex should not matter in a job interview. ► before I start spoken say this when you are going to say something before you start the main part of a speech or talk to a group of people: · Before I start, I'd like to thank everyone for coming.· All right, before I start, could everyone please stand up and introduce themselves. someone's first performance, appearance, or speech► debut someone's first public performance, especially in a play, a film or a sport: · "Little Man Tate" was Jodie Foster's directorial debut.debut for: · This is his debut for his new club, Manchester United.make your debut: · Charlie Chaplin made his film debut in 1913. ► premiere the first public performance of a play or film: · I've been invited to the premiere of the new Schliessman play.world premiere (=the first performance anywhere in the world): · Music-lovers gathered in Boston for the world premiere of Gershwin's opera, "Porgy and Bess".film/movie premiere: · "Singing in the Rain" begins with its stars attending a movie premiere. ► maiden: maiden voyage/flight/speech the first one that a particular ship, aircraft, or person makes: · The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.· Two jets crashed on their maiden flights last year.· The new prime minister admitted that her maiden speech had been too long. ► inaugural: inaugural lecture/address/speech etc one that an important person does or makes when they first start a new job: · The inaugural address drew a large audience.· Professor Eston gave the inaugural lecture in 1860. to do something that has never been done before► be the first to do something · The Spanish were the first to keep cattle in the American deserts.· She was the first to see the link between poverty and poor health.be the first person to do something · Yuri Gagarin became the first man to fly in space. ► show the way/lead the way to be the first to do something, especially something good or successful, which may encourage others to do something similar: · Once the Japanese had shown the way, manufacturers in other countries soon began to use robots on a large scale.lead the way in doing something: · The company has led the way in developing environmentally friendly products. ► never been done/attempted/tried before use this about something someone does or tries to do that no-one has ever done before: · The special effects in the movie included things that had never been done before.· Because of advances in technology, we are able to try something that has never been attempted before. ► pioneer to be the first to invent or find a new method of doing something, and make it possible or easier for others to do the same: · He pioneered techniques for photographing moving objects.· Heart-transplant surgery was pioneered by Professor Christiaan Barnard. ► pioneering using new and better methods or ideas for the first time: · Her pioneering work in the field of education will be remembered.· Cowley's pioneering development of modern emergency medicine helped save countless lives. ► break new ground if someone or their work breaks new ground , their work is completely new and different from anything that existed before: · Roosevelt's social reform program broke new ground.· The album is enjoyable, but breaks no new ground.· There's a lot of new ground being broken in the field of genetic research. ► break the mould British /mold American to be the first to do something in a different way from the way it was usually done before: · The governor urged teachers to break the mold in establishing new ways of teaching.· The new party promised to break the mould of British politics. something that is the first► a first something that has never been done or achieved by anyone before and is therefore surprising or exciting: · If an animated film was nominated as best picture, it would be a first.a first in: · Roger Bannister's four-minute mile was a notable first in the history of athletics.· During the 1960's, the Soviet Union achieved a series of firsts in space exploration.a first for: · Delivering a baby on the job was a first for the two police officers. ► prototype the first model of something, especially of a machine or a new invention, that is often improved in later models: · No damage to the prototype aircraft was reported after its first test flight.prototype of: · Pilots have begun testing a prototype of the new aircraft.· The prototype of this particular computer was developed by an American in 1975.prototype for: · Within a year, the company expects to have a prototype for military use. ► original something such as a picture or a piece of writing that is not a copy but is the one produced for the first time by the artist or writer themselves: · I wasn't sure whether the portrait was an excellent copy or the original.· This is a photograph of the manuscript. The original is in the city museum. ► first-generation first-generation computers, machines etc were the first ones of their type to be produced, and are the ones that later computers, machines etc of the same type are based on: · The first-generation digital televisions cost over $2000.· There were a variety of problems common to first-generation computer software programs. before you do something or before something happens► before before you do something or before an event happens: · The family left France just before the war.· Think carefully before you give your final answer.· Before I had a chance to say anything, David walked away.before doing something: · Before joining IBM, Frank worked for Toshiba.· You should check the oil before beginning a long car journey.before that: · We spent two years in Thailand, and before that we lived in China.· I was a waiter for six months, and before that I worked in a supermarket.a week/two days/five years etc before: · I was born just eleven months before my brother. ► beforehand also ahead of time American if you do something beforehand or ahead of time , you do it before you do something else, especially to make the situation easier: · Let me know ahead of time if you need a ride to the airport.· We had agreed beforehand not to tell anyone else about our plans. ► first before you do something else: · Add the onions and garlic first, then the mushrooms.· "Shall we go for some lunch?" "Yeah, great, let me just make a quick call first." ► in advance if you do something in advance , you do it before another event happens, especially so that you are prepared: · Pasta salad is a dish that you can easily prepare in advance.· I wish you'd told me in advance that you were going to be late.in advance of: · Your passport application should be submitted well in advance of your departure.three days/six months/a year etc in advance: · Preparations for the president's visit had been made several months in advance. ► pre-: pre-war/pre-Christmas/pre-Roman etc before the war, Christmas etc: · Life in pre-war Britain was simpler and less fast-paced.· As usual, the government seems to have forgotten most of its pre-election promises. ► prior to formal before, especially before a particular event or date: · I spoke with Sarah prior to the meeting.prior to doing something: · The doctor should have told you about the possible side effects prior to starting you on the medication. ► on the eve of/in the run-up to the time before an important event: · On the eve of the election, some of the candidates were showing signs of strain.· No-one claimed responsibility for the bombing, which occurred on the eve of the Prime Minister's visit.· Another round of TV debates will be held in the run-up to the referendum. ► advance given or done before the time that a particular event takes place or before the time that something is expected to happen: · Aid workers say the village had no advance warning of the floods.· Advance bookings for the concert start today.· Airport visas may be obtained if forty-eight hours advance notice has been provided. ► prior formal taking place before something else happens or before someone is allowed to do something: · The airline says that some flights may be cancelled without prior warning.· The phone company is required to give you prior notice before disconnecting your service.· The tenant must get the prior consent of the landlord before doing any redecorating in the flat. to do something before someone else does it► do something first if you do something, go somewhere, see something etc first , you do it before someone else: · It's mine - I saw it first.· Who wants to go first?· Sandy finished the puzzle first. ► be the first/be first to be the first person to do a particular thing: · Many people have copied her style, but she was definitely the first.be the first/first to do something: · Of the four of us, my sister was the first to get married. ► beat somebody to it informal to get or do something before another person who is trying to do the same thing: · I was going to have that last piece of pie but somebody beat me to it.· When Charlie finally got down there to buy the car, he discovered that someone else had beaten him to it. ► ahead of if you arrive somewhere or finish something ahead of someone, you arrive there or finish it before them: · Carrie got to the pub ahead of us.· Cole finished the race ahead of Jewison. ► be ahead of your time if someone is ahead of their time they do something before other people do it, especially by having new ideas before anyone else: · As an architect, Sir John Soan was ahead of his time.way ahead of your time: · Ashton's educational theories were way ahead of their time. at the beginning► at the beginning/start · At the start it looked as though Italy would win, but Argentina improved as the game went on.· She was nervous at the beginning but she settled down as she got further into her speech.at the beginning/start of · We pay our rent at the beginning of the month.· For homework tonight, start at the beginning of chapter three and read up to page 98.· At the start of the century, barely 3% of the population was literate. ► at first/initially use this to say what happened at the beginning, especially when something different happened later. Initially is more formal than at first: · Barney was quiet at first, but gradually he became more confident.· At first I didn't think Nancy and I would get along.· They offered her the job, initially on a temporary basis but later as a full member of the staff. ► to start with/to begin with especially spoken use this to talk about what happens at the beginning, especially when something different may happen later: · Our employees receive health benefits and $28,000 a year to start with.· Even children who are healthy to begin with wouldn't survive long in these terrible conditions. ► originally at the beginning - use this to talk about the situation at the time in the past when something first started: · Originally, they told me I was only going to work 35 hours a week.· Two hundred people showed up for the wedding, about 50 more than we originally planned. ► at the outset formal if something is known, believed, decided etc at the outset , it is known etc from the very earliest point in a period of time or activity: · Sylvia knew at the outset what her ultimate goals were.· It had been decided at the outset that Theresa would be our spokesperson. ways of stating the main reason for something or the main part of something► mainly use this to say what the main reason for something or the main part of something is: · I was asked to lead the meeting mainly because Kristin is out of town.· My new job's fairly boring - it's mainly typing.· The company sells its batteries mainly through electronics stores. ► largely/chiefly largely and chiefly mean the same as mainly , but they are used especially in written or formal English: · The bird lives chiefly on mice and other small animals.· The report says that drug use is largely responsible for the 40% rise in the city's homicide rate.· Money raised by the new tax is to be used chiefly for road construction. ► primarily/principally firstly and most importantly: · Foreign aid is intended principally for the south of the region.· The agency is primarily concerned with making sure the nation's food supplies are safe.· She has a degree in anthropology, but she's primarily a writer. ► above all most importantly compared to other things, especially ones you have just mentioned: · Above all, she will be remembered for all the work she did in the community.· Teaching history means above all knowing how to tell a story. ► first and foremost use this to say that something is the most important thing, and needs to be dealt with before anything else and given attention before anything else: · First and foremost, they are looking for ways to save money.· What children need first and foremost from their parents is a sense of security. to have a particular position in a competition, race, list etc► rank to be in a particular position in a competition, race, list etc: · The name Michael always ranks high on the list of the most popular boys' names.rank somebody as first/fourth/eighth etc: · Volleyball Monthly ranked the team third in the nation. rank first/fourth/eighth etc: · Connell, a Canadian ranked 73rd in the world, won the third set.· Second-ranked Stanford beat the University of San Diego 103-68.rank among/as etc: · Sandoz ranks as one of the 10 largest drug companies in the world.be ranked first/fifth etc: · She was beaten by someone who was ranked only 200th in the world. ► be first/second etc also come first/second British to be first, second etc in a competition or race: · Sandoz won, and Anderson was second.be first/second etc in: · Michael Johnson came first in the 400m final. to win a race, competition etc► win to win a race, competition, election etc, for example by getting more points, votes etc than everyone else or by being the first to finish: · No-one really expected the Socialist Party to win.win a race/game/election etc: · Chang won the first set but lost the next two.· The competition was won by a Nigerian student.win a prize/medal/cup etc: · His book won the Pulitzer Prize for literature.· What would you do if you won $1 million?win by 6 votes/2 goals etc (=win by getting 6 votes etc more than the other person or team): · He went ahead of Nolan, winning by 15 seconds.win 4-2/20-12 etc (=use this to show the final result of a game): · Do you remember our first game of the season? We won 3-1.win at cards/chess/tennis etc: · She always wins at Scrabble. ► finish first/be first/come in first also come first British to win a race or competition in which more than two people or teams are competing: · Who do you think will finish first?· The British team was first, followed closely by the Americans.· André Etienne came in first, having completed the course in record time.finish first/be first/come in first in: · An Australian runner came first in the marathon.· Sue finished first in two races -- the 50m backstroke and the 100m front crawl. ► first place the position of the person or team that wins a race or competition: in first place: · Johnson finished in first place, narrowly ahead of Green.win first place in: · My greatest achievement was winning first place in the Young Artist competition. ► get in British if a political party gets in , they win an election, and have the right to form a government: · Do you think Labour will get in again at the next election? COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY► First of all Phrases![]() ![]() · I first went to Paris two years ago. ► was first· I was first in Paris two years ago. ► did ... first· When did you first realize you wanted to be a doctor? COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a first-hand account (=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps ► administer first aid![]() · I know I’m lazy – I’m the first to admit it! ► a first-floor/second-floor etc apartment· We had a fourth-floor apartment, and it was difficult going up and down all those stairs. ► than it first appears![]() · This is the band's last appearance in the UK before a 46-date tour of Europe. ► on the first/second etc attempt (also at the first/second etc attempt British English)· The car started at the second attempt. ► somebody’s first/18th/40th etc birthday· It’s Mum’s 50th birthday tomorrow. ► first-time buyers![]() · In the second half of the century, people's wages began to rise. ► come first/second etc![]() ![]() ![]() · Stuart came second in the swimming competition. ► be the first to complain (=be quick to complain)· He’s the first to complain if he thinks something is unfair. ► a first-class/second-class/third-class degree (=the level at which you pass a degree at a British university)· She was awarded a first-class degree. ► a first/undergraduate degree (=the lowest level of degree)· First degrees usually take three or four years. ► have first dibs on![]() · The second draft of the agreement contained a few important changes. ► first/second etc quarter earnings (=the amount a company earns during one of the four periods of three months that make up a financial year)· The company’s fourth quarter earnings are excellent. ► a first/second/third etc edition· The first edition was published in 1986. ► the first eleven![]() ![]() (=experience gained by doing something yourself)· She has no first-hand experience of running a school. ► first-hand experience (=experience gained from doing something yourself)· As a journalist living in Iraq, he had first-hand experience of coping with terror on his doorstep. ► finish first/second/third etc![]() ![]() · We’re moving into a first-floor flat. ► first foray![]() ![]() · The heavy traffic meant that we seldom got out of second gear. ► put the car etc into (first/second/third etc) gear· He put the car into gear, and they moved slowly forwards. ► engage first/second etc gear (=put the car into gear)· Nick struggled to engage first gear. ► the first/second half· Profits doubled in the first half of the year. ► dive/fall/jump/plunge head-first![]() ![]() (=the first time something has ever happened)· For the first time in history, an American president resigned his office. ► first/second/third class honours degree► a first-generation immigrant (=someone who is an immigrant, or whose parents were immigrants)· Her parents were first-generation immigrants from Poland. ► somebody’s first/initial/immediate impression· My first impression was that Terry’s version of the events was untrue. ► first impressions count (=the impression you make when you first meet someone is important)· When attending a job interview, remember that first impressions count. ► somebody's first/initial impulse· Her first impulse was to turn and walk away. ► somebody's first/initial instinct· His first instinct was to try and hide. ► the first interview (also the preliminary interview formal)· He felt the first interview had gone well. ► your first kiss· Where were you when you had your first kiss? ► don’t know the first thing about![]() (=knowledge from experiencing something yourself)· writers who had no first-hand knowledge of war ► somebody’s first/native language (=the language someone first learned as a child)· His first language was Polish. ► first/second/next etc in line for![]() · Your name will be first on my list.· Why am I always last on the list? ► love at first sight (=when you love someone as soon as you meet them)· For Marion and Ron it was love at first sight. ► somebody’s first/second etc marriage· She had two children from her first marriage. ► first thing in the morning (=at the beginning of the morning)· She set off first thing in the morning. ► the first move· She waited for Michael to make the first move. ► first-degree murder (also murder in the first degree) American English (=the most serious type of murder under U.S. law)· If convicted of first-degree murder, he will spend the rest of his life in prison. ► call somebody by their first/full etc name (=use that name when you speak to them)· Everyone called him by his first name. ► first-night nerves (=before the first night of a performance)· She always suffered from first-night nerves. ► a first offence· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison. ► at the first/earliest opportunity (=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity. ► the first part· In the first part of the book he describes his childhood. ► have/get first pick (of something)![]() ![]() · The package arrived by first-class post. ► first/second/last post (=the first, second, or last collection or delivery of letters each day)· The last post is at 5.30. ► first principles (=the most basic ideas that something is based on)· The researchers went back to first principles. ► the first priority· The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job. ► first/second etc prize· She won first prize in a poetry competition. ► the first/second etc quarter![]() ![]() ![]() · I wanted to be first in the queue when the doors opened. ► come first/last etc in a race (also finish first/last etc in a race)· She came third in the race. ► somebody’s first/initial/immediate reaction· His first reaction was to laugh. ► on first reading![]() (=from someone who saw what happened)· Some were beaten and tortured according to first-hand reports from former prisoners. ► the first sign of something (=the first thing that shows something is happening, or something exists)· They ran off at the first sign of trouble. ► the first step· The first step in resolving conflict is to understand what the other person wants. ► a first-year/second-year etc student (=in their first year, second year etc at college or university)· First-year students have an exam at the end of term. ► somebody's first/main task· Their first task was to rebuild the wall. ► the first team British English (=the team with the best players in a school, club etc)· He has played several times for the first team. ► the first/last day of term· On the last day of term we went home early. ► somebody’s first thought· My first thought was that a bomb had gone off. ► tie for first/second etc place![]() ![]() · This is his first try at directing. ► take the first/a wrong etc turn (=go along the first etc road) ► the original/first version![]() ![]() · The original version was in Latin but later editions were in English. COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB► appear· She was an authentic prodigy, first appearing with an orchestra at age 7.· No one was present when life first appeared on earth.· In fact, the regulations are not as stringent as they first appear.· The story of the girl pilot first appeared in a small newspaper in California.· The virus first appeared in Camp Funston, Kansas, in March 1918. ► arrive· Bigfoot gets better traction off the line and vaults the moguls, arriving first at the turn.· I thought seventy degrees was cold when we first arrived.· Swanepoel, the pilot whom I had met when I first arrived in the country, tipped me off to that one.· But even Bagwell looks older than when he first arrived.· Most are now inactive, but when they first arrived they were able to hop from place to place in our genome.· When she first arrived, she had thought the place as orderly as a military post.· This time Polly did not break away as she had done when Jack first arrived.· When he first arrived my mother thought he might be an agent of salvation. ► begin· They began first with a petition drive.· Sabi first began writing to his daughter Deena, who was born the summer before his arrest.· When my colleagues at Roslin first began exploring genetic engineering in the early 1980s, pharming was not their only target.· His mother first began to laugh.· McLaren first began attracting attention about six years ago when he started contesting boundary lines in the development where he lives.· The father of Gods and Men began first to speak.· In any event, for whatever reason, humanity first began to encounter the virus during the 1960s and 1970s.· This evolved over a four-year period during our Michaelmas celebrations, which is when I first began to make it. ► come· Which Judy Garland first comes to mind?· The comfort and convenience of the president himself comes first in the use of all these facilities.· It was up on Hugh's wall when I first came to his house in Shettleston.· She tells me about the offers she had when she first came out here.· The military first came to power in 1962 and abolished all state institutions in 1988.· When Southern blacks first came up to the North, it was conventional for other blacks to take them in.· He first came into government in the 1960s.· I first came across Charlie Tonelli in some Des Moines newspaper clips from back in the 1940s. ► encounter· I first encountered the term in the 80s, when it was used to describe computing modules found in many applications.· I first encountered sushi in an expensive specialist restaurant.· He had first encountered it in darkness, with people passing in and out of it.· I first encountered them when I moved to Washington from West Virginia in 1961.· It was the reporters' first encounter with Bradlee on a Watergate story. ► finish· They finished first and second at the U. S. Olympic swimming trials Thursday, claiming the two berths in the event.· But in Seoul, Johnson tested steroid-positive after finishing first in the 100-meter final.· Seattle finished first in the West with a 64-18 record and Houston ended up fifth at 48-34.· He finished first at 34 percent. ► go· We go first to the Embassy to photocopy the article David has done for Korotich.· Generally, engineering contracts first go through a selection committee before being forwarded to Huckelberry's office.· The dignitaries, as usual, waited for him to go first.· When Scottie Pippen first went out, they announced that the injury was minor and that no surgery was necessary.· Since neither one of us wanted the older woman, we had to decide who would go first.· For all the new packaging, these diets remain fundamentally unchanged from when I first went to Weight Watchers.· You must first go back to D. C. Stephenson.· I let the other guy go first because he had kids. ► hear· Louise said she first heard about her the day you were leaving school.· Bernstein had first heard this in late August from a reporter on an-other newspaper.· Baker was first heard no record in a public jam session of 1941 and quickly established an unbeatable reputation in London clubs.· Robinson first heard the Vocaleers when they came in second at the Apollo amateur night.· No one knows when or how Harrison first heard word of the longitude prize.· The Ravel was made by the composer in 1921, and was, in fact, first heard in this arrangement.· In this chapter we first hear of the savage Queequeg and at first the description makes him seem horrible. ► look· We first look at some of the cases that led the Supreme Court to rule on this issue.· I first look for character, whether the individual can inspire trust.· To look forward with acuity you must first look back with honesty.· She leaned back, looking first at Ardley and then the others.· I look first inside her closet.· In order to understand and use this approach, it is necessary to first look at a little of its history. ► meet· He had a great sense of humour and when we first met, I was instantly attracted to him.· Frank was no longer the innocent rank-and-filer whom I had first met seven years before.· He was an old sixteen when I first met him.· But certainly, a staff meeting first.· I first met Wells at a weekend party at Max Beaverbrook's country estate in the late 1930s.· Doyle remembers Gabby, an 8-year-old he first met eating discarded ice cream cones in the train station.· I first met him, as I met Askalu, in the highlands 13 years ago.· Several months after we first met, she tells me a revealing and poignant story of her first day at college. ► move· We must first move from the theory to an empirically testable model.· Bush's choice of Cheney was therefore widely interpreted as a safety-first move.· When I first moved to New York 30 years ago reasonable restaurants could be found everywhere in the centre of Manhattan.· Mary Ann, married, the mother of two children, moved first.· Equally, the skin is pushed out in the direction that the molecule was first moving.· So to search the entire document, first move the cursor to either its start or end.· When I first moved into my dressing room at the Lyceum, it gave off a heady fragrance of drains and whitebait.· It felt good when we first moved in because everybody was very friendly. ► rank· Escondido west of Interstate 15 ranked first in price appreciation as well as sales activity.· M., ranked first with 5. 25.· Then, like now, he was ranked first after Police Commission interviews.· Georgetown was a top seed that finished the season ranked first.· At the time, they were ranked first, second, third, and fourth in the world. ► read· It was in Pittsburgh that Mulholland first read about California.· He looked the way I felt when I first read his memo.· I can remember when I first read about her back in the late 1960s in a book on oceanography. ► report· The suit was first reported in the Times of London.· The day that they first report for work, new hires get a list of what the company calls key result areas.· The rampage apparently lasted 10 minutes, not three, as first reported.· It was first reported on the West Coast in the 1920s, and in the Eastin Virginiain the 1950s.· The paper first reported today that the partners will meet this weekend. ► see· The design of the Web site is what your user will see first, and what will define their experience.· And when I first saw the title, my reaction was to laugh out loud.· I first saw Brookside on Channel 4's opening night, 2 November 1982.· The spot above the river where his son and the Marines first saw each other.· Steve Coogan was 10 when he first saw Wilson in the flesh.· I first saw him when he was about eight, a child with a beautiful face and long, black eyelashes.· It was first seen publicly in the sixth Impressionist Exhibition in 1881, when its astonishing realism shocked many contemporary critics.· Linda first saw Red at a middle school volleyball game. ► start· When and how priests first started is lost to history.· Particularly when programs are first starting out, these kinds of written arrangements help establish the ground rules.· Twenty-five years on from when I first started, things really aren't that much better.· And yet when you are first starting out as an entrepreneur, a detour is awfully hard to resist.· It was here that I first started to get a closer feel for what the military operations were.· Mainline medicine learned this the hard way when it first started to use anesthetics. ► step· Finding or remembering an evocative scent is a good first step.· That is the necessary first step. ► strike· The enemy, therefore, almost always struck first.· The flagship, the Association, struck first.· Paris struck first, but Menelaus caught the swift spear on his shield, then hurled his own. ► try· When I first tried to envision this tiny woman trying to hold off a mob of angry right-wingers, I almost laughed.· Just like Walsh, too, Robinson first tried his hand at broadcasting.· Thoreau first tried to make a career of teaching school and then wrote essays, which almost no one bought.· The father first tried to shake hands with her.· For example, he suggests that the young Clemens grew miserable when he first tried living full-time as Mark Twain.· Dancy allegedly first tried to run down the officer with his car, then drove away.· When I first tried to work out of my home, my discipline crumbled.· Medical treatment invariably is tried first. PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► put somebody/something first► come first 1before anything or anyone else:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() first1 adjectivefirst2 adverbfirst3 nounfirst4 pronoun firstfirst3 ●●● S2 W2 noun ![]() ![]() Longman Language Activatorhappening, existing, done etc first► first Collocations 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. first in a race or competition► be first/come first/finish first to be the person who wins a race or a competition: · Jones came first in the 200 metres.· Maryam was first to cross the line, in just 12 seconds.· Krzystof finished first among the 147 professional cyclists. when something is the first thing you want to say► firstly/first spoken say this to introduce the first fact, reason, or question, when you are going to mention several more things: · I wanted to change schools, firstly because I didn't like the teacher and secondly because it was too far away.· First, may I say that I am extremely grateful for the trust my colleagues have put in me.· African leaders are worried, firstly about the official flow of aid, and also about levels of private investment. ► first of all spoken say this when the reason you are giving first is the most important one: · Freddy, first of all, I didn't flirt with him. He flirted with me.· I called the book "Drum Planet" because first of all, there are drums in every culture. ► to start/begin with spoken say this when your reason or fact is the most easy to see or understand: · To start with, one of the biggest problems in the classroom is that the kids don't get enough discipline at home.· Working at home is a good option, because, to begin with, what's the point of driving two hours a day just to sit in front of a computer? ► in the first place also for a start British spoken say this when you are arguing or discussing something with someone and you are going to give the main reason that proves that what you are saying is true: · In the first place, they have a more experienced team, so they're more likely to win.· We haven't made a decision, because, in the first place, we do not know enough at this point.· For a start, someone's sex should not matter in a job interview. ► before I start spoken say this when you are going to say something before you start the main part of a speech or talk to a group of people: · Before I start, I'd like to thank everyone for coming.· All right, before I start, could everyone please stand up and introduce themselves. someone's first performance, appearance, or speech► debut someone's first public performance, especially in a play, a film or a sport: · "Little Man Tate" was Jodie Foster's directorial debut.debut for: · This is his debut for his new club, Manchester United.make your debut: · Charlie Chaplin made his film debut in 1913. ► premiere the first public performance of a play or film: · I've been invited to the premiere of the new Schliessman play.world premiere (=the first performance anywhere in the world): · Music-lovers gathered in Boston for the world premiere of Gershwin's opera, "Porgy and Bess".film/movie premiere: · "Singing in the Rain" begins with its stars attending a movie premiere. ► maiden: maiden voyage/flight/speech the first one that a particular ship, aircraft, or person makes: · The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage.· Two jets crashed on their maiden flights last year.· The new prime minister admitted that her maiden speech had been too long. ► inaugural: inaugural lecture/address/speech etc one that an important person does or makes when they first start a new job: · The inaugural address drew a large audience.· Professor Eston gave the inaugural lecture in 1860. to do something that has never been done before► be the first to do something · The Spanish were the first to keep cattle in the American deserts.· She was the first to see the link between poverty and poor health.be the first person to do something · Yuri Gagarin became the first man to fly in space. ► show the way/lead the way to be the first to do something, especially something good or successful, which may encourage others to do something similar: · Once the Japanese had shown the way, manufacturers in other countries soon began to use robots on a large scale.lead the way in doing something: · The company has led the way in developing environmentally friendly products. ► never been done/attempted/tried before use this about something someone does or tries to do that no-one has ever done before: · The special effects in the movie included things that had never been done before.· Because of advances in technology, we are able to try something that has never been attempted before. ► pioneer to be the first to invent or find a new method of doing something, and make it possible or easier for others to do the same: · He pioneered techniques for photographing moving objects.· Heart-transplant surgery was pioneered by Professor Christiaan Barnard. ► pioneering using new and better methods or ideas for the first time: · Her pioneering work in the field of education will be remembered.· Cowley's pioneering development of modern emergency medicine helped save countless lives. ► break new ground if someone or their work breaks new ground , their work is completely new and different from anything that existed before: · Roosevelt's social reform program broke new ground.· The album is enjoyable, but breaks no new ground.· There's a lot of new ground being broken in the field of genetic research. ► break the mould British /mold American to be the first to do something in a different way from the way it was usually done before: · The governor urged teachers to break the mold in establishing new ways of teaching.· The new party promised to break the mould of British politics. something that is the first► a first something that has never been done or achieved by anyone before and is therefore surprising or exciting: · If an animated film was nominated as best picture, it would be a first.a first in: · Roger Bannister's four-minute mile was a notable first in the history of athletics.· During the 1960's, the Soviet Union achieved a series of firsts in space exploration.a first for: · Delivering a baby on the job was a first for the two police officers. ► prototype the first model of something, especially of a machine or a new invention, that is often improved in later models: · No damage to the prototype aircraft was reported after its first test flight.prototype of: · Pilots have begun testing a prototype of the new aircraft.· The prototype of this particular computer was developed by an American in 1975.prototype for: · Within a year, the company expects to have a prototype for military use. ► original something such as a picture or a piece of writing that is not a copy but is the one produced for the first time by the artist or writer themselves: · I wasn't sure whether the portrait was an excellent copy or the original.· This is a photograph of the manuscript. The original is in the city museum. ► first-generation first-generation computers, machines etc were the first ones of their type to be produced, and are the ones that later computers, machines etc of the same type are based on: · The first-generation digital televisions cost over $2000.· There were a variety of problems common to first-generation computer software programs. to do something before someone else does it► do something first if you do something, go somewhere, see something etc first , you do it before someone else: · It's mine - I saw it first.· Who wants to go first?· Sandy finished the puzzle first. ► be the first/be first to be the first person to do a particular thing: · Many people have copied her style, but she was definitely the first.be the first/first to do something: · Of the four of us, my sister was the first to get married. ► beat somebody to it informal to get or do something before another person who is trying to do the same thing: · I was going to have that last piece of pie but somebody beat me to it.· When Charlie finally got down there to buy the car, he discovered that someone else had beaten him to it. ► ahead of if you arrive somewhere or finish something ahead of someone, you arrive there or finish it before them: · Carrie got to the pub ahead of us.· Cole finished the race ahead of Jewison. ► be ahead of your time if someone is ahead of their time they do something before other people do it, especially by having new ideas before anyone else: · As an architect, Sir John Soan was ahead of his time.way ahead of your time: · Ashton's educational theories were way ahead of their time. COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY► That will be a first Phrases![]() ![]() ![]() (=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps ► administer first aid![]() · I know I’m lazy – I’m the first to admit it! ► a first-floor/second-floor etc apartment· We had a fourth-floor apartment, and it was difficult going up and down all those stairs. ► than it first appears![]() · This is the band's last appearance in the UK before a 46-date tour of Europe. ► on the first/second etc attempt (also at the first/second etc attempt British English)· The car started at the second attempt. ► somebody’s first/18th/40th etc birthday· It’s Mum’s 50th birthday tomorrow. ► first-time buyers![]() · In the second half of the century, people's wages began to rise. ► come first/second etc![]() ![]() ![]() · Stuart came second in the swimming competition. ► be the first to complain (=be quick to complain)· He’s the first to complain if he thinks something is unfair. ► a first-class/second-class/third-class degree (=the level at which you pass a degree at a British university)· She was awarded a first-class degree. ► a first/undergraduate degree (=the lowest level of degree)· First degrees usually take three or four years. ► have first dibs on![]() · The second draft of the agreement contained a few important changes. ► first/second etc quarter earnings (=the amount a company earns during one of the four periods of three months that make up a financial year)· The company’s fourth quarter earnings are excellent. ► a first/second/third etc edition· The first edition was published in 1986. ► the first eleven![]() ![]() (=experience gained by doing something yourself)· She has no first-hand experience of running a school. ► first-hand experience (=experience gained from doing something yourself)· As a journalist living in Iraq, he had first-hand experience of coping with terror on his doorstep. ► finish first/second/third etc![]() ![]() · We’re moving into a first-floor flat. ► first foray![]() ![]() · The heavy traffic meant that we seldom got out of second gear. ► put the car etc into (first/second/third etc) gear· He put the car into gear, and they moved slowly forwards. ► engage first/second etc gear (=put the car into gear)· Nick struggled to engage first gear. ► the first/second half· Profits doubled in the first half of the year. ► dive/fall/jump/plunge head-first![]() ![]() (=the first time something has ever happened)· For the first time in history, an American president resigned his office. ► first/second/third class honours degree► a first-generation immigrant (=someone who is an immigrant, or whose parents were immigrants)· Her parents were first-generation immigrants from Poland. ► somebody’s first/initial/immediate impression· My first impression was that Terry’s version of the events was untrue. ► first impressions count (=the impression you make when you first meet someone is important)· When attending a job interview, remember that first impressions count. ► somebody's first/initial impulse· Her first impulse was to turn and walk away. ► somebody's first/initial instinct· His first instinct was to try and hide. ► the first interview (also the preliminary interview formal)· He felt the first interview had gone well. ► your first kiss· Where were you when you had your first kiss? ► don’t know the first thing about![]() (=knowledge from experiencing something yourself)· writers who had no first-hand knowledge of war ► somebody’s first/native language (=the language someone first learned as a child)· His first language was Polish. ► first/second/next etc in line for![]() · Your name will be first on my list.· Why am I always last on the list? ► love at first sight (=when you love someone as soon as you meet them)· For Marion and Ron it was love at first sight. ► somebody’s first/second etc marriage· She had two children from her first marriage. ► first thing in the morning (=at the beginning of the morning)· She set off first thing in the morning. ► the first move· She waited for Michael to make the first move. ► first-degree murder (also murder in the first degree) American English (=the most serious type of murder under U.S. law)· If convicted of first-degree murder, he will spend the rest of his life in prison. ► call somebody by their first/full etc name (=use that name when you speak to them)· Everyone called him by his first name. ► first-night nerves (=before the first night of a performance)· She always suffered from first-night nerves. ► a first offence· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison. ► at the first/earliest opportunity (=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity. ► the first part· In the first part of the book he describes his childhood. ► have/get first pick (of something)![]() ![]() · The package arrived by first-class post. ► first/second/last post (=the first, second, or last collection or delivery of letters each day)· The last post is at 5.30. ► first principles (=the most basic ideas that something is based on)· The researchers went back to first principles. ► the first priority· The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job. ► first/second etc prize· She won first prize in a poetry competition. ► the first/second etc quarter![]() ![]() ![]() · I wanted to be first in the queue when the doors opened. ► come first/last etc in a race (also finish first/last etc in a race)· She came third in the race. ► somebody’s first/initial/immediate reaction· His first reaction was to laugh. ► on first reading![]() (=from someone who saw what happened)· Some were beaten and tortured according to first-hand reports from former prisoners. ► the first sign of something (=the first thing that shows something is happening, or something exists)· They ran off at the first sign of trouble. ► the first step· The first step in resolving conflict is to understand what the other person wants. ► a first-year/second-year etc student (=in their first year, second year etc at college or university)· First-year students have an exam at the end of term. ► somebody's first/main task· Their first task was to rebuild the wall. ► the first team British English (=the team with the best players in a school, club etc)· He has played several times for the first team. ► the first/last day of term· On the last day of term we went home early. ► somebody’s first thought· My first thought was that a bomb had gone off. ► tie for first/second etc place![]() ![]() · This is his first try at directing. ► take the first/a wrong etc turn (=go along the first etc road) ► the original/first version![]() ![]() · The original version was in Latin but later editions were in English. PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► at first 1at first used to talk about the beginning of a situation, especially when it is different now:
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() first1 adjectivefirst2 adverbfirst3 nounfirst4 pronoun firstfirst4 ●●● S2 W2 pronoun ![]() ![]() COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY► the first of many Phrases![]() (=an account of a situation, given by the person who experienced it)· a first-hand account of life in the refugee camps ► administer first aid![]() · I know I’m lazy – I’m the first to admit it! ► a first-floor/second-floor etc apartment· We had a fourth-floor apartment, and it was difficult going up and down all those stairs. ► than it first appears![]() · This is the band's last appearance in the UK before a 46-date tour of Europe. ► on the first/second etc attempt (also at the first/second etc attempt British English)· The car started at the second attempt. ► somebody’s first/18th/40th etc birthday· It’s Mum’s 50th birthday tomorrow. ► first-time buyers![]() · In the second half of the century, people's wages began to rise. ► come first/second etc![]() ![]() ![]() · Stuart came second in the swimming competition. ► be the first to complain (=be quick to complain)· He’s the first to complain if he thinks something is unfair. ► a first-class/second-class/third-class degree (=the level at which you pass a degree at a British university)· She was awarded a first-class degree. ► a first/undergraduate degree (=the lowest level of degree)· First degrees usually take three or four years. ► have first dibs on![]() · The second draft of the agreement contained a few important changes. ► first/second etc quarter earnings (=the amount a company earns during one of the four periods of three months that make up a financial year)· The company’s fourth quarter earnings are excellent. ► a first/second/third etc edition· The first edition was published in 1986. ► the first eleven![]() ![]() (=experience gained by doing something yourself)· She has no first-hand experience of running a school. ► first-hand experience (=experience gained from doing something yourself)· As a journalist living in Iraq, he had first-hand experience of coping with terror on his doorstep. ► finish first/second/third etc![]() ![]() · We’re moving into a first-floor flat. ► first foray![]() ![]() · The heavy traffic meant that we seldom got out of second gear. ► put the car etc into (first/second/third etc) gear· He put the car into gear, and they moved slowly forwards. ► engage first/second etc gear (=put the car into gear)· Nick struggled to engage first gear. ► the first/second half· Profits doubled in the first half of the year. ► dive/fall/jump/plunge head-first![]() ![]() (=the first time something has ever happened)· For the first time in history, an American president resigned his office. ► first/second/third class honours degree► a first-generation immigrant (=someone who is an immigrant, or whose parents were immigrants)· Her parents were first-generation immigrants from Poland. ► somebody’s first/initial/immediate impression· My first impression was that Terry’s version of the events was untrue. ► first impressions count (=the impression you make when you first meet someone is important)· When attending a job interview, remember that first impressions count. ► somebody's first/initial impulse· Her first impulse was to turn and walk away. ► somebody's first/initial instinct· His first instinct was to try and hide. ► the first interview (also the preliminary interview formal)· He felt the first interview had gone well. ► your first kiss· Where were you when you had your first kiss? ► don’t know the first thing about![]() (=knowledge from experiencing something yourself)· writers who had no first-hand knowledge of war ► somebody’s first/native language (=the language someone first learned as a child)· His first language was Polish. ► first/second/next etc in line for![]() · Your name will be first on my list.· Why am I always last on the list? ► love at first sight (=when you love someone as soon as you meet them)· For Marion and Ron it was love at first sight. ► somebody’s first/second etc marriage· She had two children from her first marriage. ► first thing in the morning (=at the beginning of the morning)· She set off first thing in the morning. ► the first move· She waited for Michael to make the first move. ► first-degree murder (also murder in the first degree) American English (=the most serious type of murder under U.S. law)· If convicted of first-degree murder, he will spend the rest of his life in prison. ► call somebody by their first/full etc name (=use that name when you speak to them)· Everyone called him by his first name. ► first-night nerves (=before the first night of a performance)· She always suffered from first-night nerves. ► a first offence· Because it was a first offence, she was not sent to prison. ► at the first/earliest opportunity (=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity. ► the first part· In the first part of the book he describes his childhood. ► have/get first pick (of something)![]() ![]() · The package arrived by first-class post. ► first/second/last post (=the first, second, or last collection or delivery of letters each day)· The last post is at 5.30. ► first principles (=the most basic ideas that something is based on)· The researchers went back to first principles. ► the first priority· The first priority for most unemployed people is obtaining a job. ► first/second etc prize· She won first prize in a poetry competition. ► the first/second etc quarter![]() ![]() ![]() · I wanted to be first in the queue when the doors opened. ► come first/last etc in a race (also finish first/last etc in a race)· She came third in the race. ► somebody’s first/initial/immediate reaction· His first reaction was to laugh. ► on first reading![]() (=from someone who saw what happened)· Some were beaten and tortured according to first-hand reports from former prisoners. ► the first sign of something (=the first thing that shows something is happening, or something exists)· They ran off at the first sign of trouble. ► the first step· The first step in resolving conflict is to understand what the other person wants. ► a first-year/second-year etc student (=in their first year, second year etc at college or university)· First-year students have an exam at the end of term. ► somebody's first/main task· Their first task was to rebuild the wall. ► the first team British English (=the team with the best players in a school, club etc)· He has played several times for the first team. ► the first/last day of term· On the last day of term we went home early. ► somebody’s first thought· My first thought was that a bomb had gone off. ► tie for first/second etc place![]() ![]() · This is his first try at directing. ► take the first/a wrong etc turn (=go along the first etc road) ► the original/first version![]() ![]() · The original version was in Latin but later editions were in English. PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► the first 1the first the first person to do something, or the first thing to happen:
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