Meaning & Definition of word "Initial"

Initial

/ɪˈnɪʃəl/

noun:

  • 1. The first letter of a person's name or a word.
    • Example: My initials are J.S.

adjective:

  • 1. Existing or occurring at the beginning.
    • Example: The initial phase of the project was focused on research.
  • 2. Relating to the first letter of a name or word.
    • Example: 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 of initial

Meaning: Just the first part of something.

Example Sentence: We're just in the initial phase of planning.

Meaning: The first letter abbreviation of a name.

Example Sentence: I just go by my initials in the art world.