English Profile

first · adjective

/fɜrst/Full view

first (BEFORE)

A1 coming before all others

Dictionary examples:

This is my first trip to New York.

Karen was the first person to arrive.

We met for the first time yesterday.

Learner example:

Near the city there is [the] first championship golf course in Slovakia. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Slovak)

first (IMPORTANT)

A2 most important, top

Dictionary example:

Sheila won first prize in the photo competition.

Learner example:

It was good because my cousin played and won the first prize. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

in the first place

B2 at the start of a situation

Dictionary example:

Why did you invite her in the first place?

Learner example:

In the first place, you were unknown people for me, but now you are my special foreign friends. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

first · adverb

/fɜrst/

first (BEFORE)

A1 before everything or everyone else

Dictionary example:

I can come out tonight, but I've got to do my homework first.

Learner example:

I have to go to [the] dentist first! (Key English Test; A2; Thai)

first (of all) or first off

A2 before anything else

Dictionary example:

First of all, I’d like to ask you a few questions.

Learner example:

Dear Pat: first of all, thanks for your invitation. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

first (FIRST TIME)

B1 for the first time

Dictionary examples:

When did you first meet each other?

I first heard the song on the radio.

Learner example:

I first heard of it [o]n the radio and then I saw a leaflet about it. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

first (BEGINNING A SERIES)

B1 used to introduce the first idea, reason, etc., in a series

Dictionary example:

First, I want to thank my parents.

Learner example:

First we all met in "Linda's cafe" and brought our bikes with us, then we start[ed] our trip to Texas. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

at first

B1 at the beginning of a situation or period of time

Dictionary example:

At first I thought she was unfriendly, but actually she's just shy.

Learner example:

At first, when I arrived I was very nervous because I didn't know anyone, but then a girl started talking to me and I felt better. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

first and foremost

C1 more than anything else

Dictionary example:

In spite of being elected to office, she remains first and foremost a writer.

Learner example:

First and foremost it is my longing to help others with what they cannot do for themselves. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Swedish)

at first sight

C1 when you first see or hear about something or someone

Dictionary example:

It may, at first sight, seem a surprising choice.

Learner example:

I must admit that, at first sight, I did not feel like reading it, but later I made up my mind and decided to accept your invitation. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

put sb/sth first

C2 to consider someone or something to be the most important thing

Dictionary example:

Most couples put their children first.

Learner example:

On the other hand, we forget about our personality and the worth that we have as individuals; we put our wishes first, [rather] than what we really need in life. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

come first

C1 to be the most important person or thing

Dictionary example:

Her career always comes first.

Learner example:

They do not take the time to sit down and enjoy being with their family. The work comes first, and the family next. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; French)

first · noun

/fɜrst/

the first

B1 the first person or thing to do or be something, or the first person or thing mentioned

Dictionary examples:

Tonight sees the first of three documentaries about cancer.

She was one of the first to arrive.

He is the first to admit that much of his success is due to his good looks.

Learner example:

I prefer the first because it's an exciting story of a cat that escapes from a dangerous house lived [in] by an aggressive dog. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

be a first

C2 to be something that has never happened before

Dictionary example:

Winning the state championship was a first for out school.