firstly

== English == === Alternative forms === 1stly === Etymology === Coined before 1475, from Middle English fyrst-lyk, equivalent to first +‎ -ly. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈfɜɹstli/ Hyphenation: first‧ly === Adverb === firstly (not comparable) (formal) In the first place; before anything else; first. ==== Usage notes ==== Whether it is proper to use "firstly", rather than "first", has often been disputed. Beginning in the early 19th century, some have argued against the use of "firstly", advocating the sequence: "First", "secondly", "thirdly", .... The usage of "firstly" is also deprecated by some modern style guides. The Chicago Manual of Style further recommends that all such -ly forms be avoided, and that list items begin only with "first", "second", and so forth. Other authorities disagree. The American Heritage Dictionary comments: It is well established that either first or firstly can be used to begin an enumeration: Our objectives are, first (or firstly), to recover from last year's slump. The Oxford English Dictionary notes the dispute but does not pass judgment: "many writers prefer first, even though closely followed by secondly, thirdly, etc." "Firstly" may appear more formal than "first". "Firstly" is often recommended for the formal enumeration of arguments. ==== Synonyms ==== first, first of all, first up; see also Thesaurus:firstly ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== at first in the first place === References ===