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.

At first glance, consumption improved on the back of festive spending but remained lackluster when compared with previous years, suggesting officials have much work to do if they want to deliver on pivoting the economy toward consumer-led growth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Harshman was scared, but Blough told her that such side effects were common at first and increased her dose, according to Harshman’s mother, Rhonda Coplen.

From The Wall Street Journal

James, sitting in front of Anna May and me, was quiet at first.

From Literature

At first, I’d considered giving her some story—James and I were going to Ocean Park, or something like that, so I could try out the position for at least one shift.

From Literature

It was silvery in the moonlight, a spreading circle at first, but then the pool began to creep toward the door.

From Literature