first ‧ ly S3 /ˈfɜːstli $ -ɜːr-/ BrE AmE adverb [sentence adverb]
used to say that the fact or reason that you are going to mention is the first one and will be followed by others ⇨ finally , lastly OPP lastly :
Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this success.
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THESAURUS
▪ first/firstly used when mentioning the first in a list of reasons, arguments, or questions to consider:
I want you to consider these three points in your essay: first, what is the writer’s attitude to the war in this poem ...
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There are several reasons for this conclusion. Firstly ...
▪ first of all used especially to emphasize that the first of several things you are going to say is the most important thing:
The content of the article must, first of all, be accurate.
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First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last two years.
▪ in the first place spoken ( also for a start British English ) spoken used when giving the first and most important reason or example, especially when you are arguing or discussing something with someone:
Our main priority should be better public transport – in the first place to reduce the amount of traffic on our roads.
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He’s not the right person for the job. For a start he’s too young.
▪ to begin with/to start with spoken used when telling someone the first and most important thing that you want to say:
There are numerous activities on offer. To start with there are over 60 miles of walks with splendid views.
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Let me tell you something about him. To begin with, he is the most difficult man that I know.