at first

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I was so stunned that at first it did not seem real and the only way to deal with it was to practice.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

He wasn’t sure what the sound was at first.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

“So the resilience we’ve seen compared to past shocks makes more sense than it might appear at first glance,” he said.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Lizzie said at first she was too scared to tell anyone.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

I had no notion at first as to what it might be, and from the look of puzzlement on his face as he handed it over to her, neither did Karl.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo