Initial
/ɪˈnɪʃəl/
Meaning & Definition
noun
The first letter of a person's name or a word.
My initials are J.S.
adjective
Existing or occurring at the beginning.
The initial phase of the project was focused on research.
Relating to the first letter of a name or word.
She signed her initial on the document.
Etymology
Derived from Latin 'initialis', from 'initium' meaning 'beginning'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
initial public offering
The first sale of stock by a company to the public.
initial impressions
The first opinions formed about someone or something.
initial investment
The amount of money invested at the start of a project.
Related Words
initiate
To begin or set going.
initiative
The ability to assess and initiate things independently.
initiation
The action of beginning something.
Slang Meanings
Just the first part of something.
We're just in the initial phase of planning.
The first letter abbreviation of a name.
I just go by my initials in the art world.