firstly
adv. sent.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.
Coined before 1475, from Middle English fyrst-lyk, equivalent to first + -ly.
Typically placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to provide structural signposting.
At first, I want to thank you all.Firstly, I want to thank you all.Learners often use 'at first' (which means 'initially') when they intend to use 'firstly' to start a list of points.