firstly
adv.used to introduce the first point or reason in a list. You use it when you want to organize your ideas clearly.
adv.used to introduce the first item in a series of points, arguments, or reasons. Often used to structure formal speech or academic writing.
“Firstly, we need to decide on a budget.”
“Firstly, the report highlights the need for better safety equipment; secondly, it suggests more training for the staff.”
“Firstly, the data suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior toward sustainable products, which necessitates a complete overhaul of our current marketing strategy.”
Typically placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to provide structural signposting.
Learners often use 'at first' (which means 'initially') when they intend to use 'firstly' to start a list of points.
Usage firstly need
Coined before 1475, from Middle English fyrst-lyk, equivalent to first + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.