1. at the beginning; at first
最初；起初；一開始
Initially, I thought the project would be easy.
最初，我以為這個專案會很簡單。
The plan was initially proposed by the marketing team.
這個計畫最初是由行銷團隊提出的。
She was initially hesitant to accept the offer.
她起初對於接受這個提議有些猶豫。
Initially Meaning（定義、用法、例句與發音）
initially
adverb
快速理解
What does "Initially" mean?What are 2-3 core uses of "Initially"?
「initially」表示事件或過程的開始階段。
- 1
起初，一開始
EN: at the beginning
翻譯: 指某個情況、過程或事件的最初階段。
- 2
最初地，首次地
EN: as the first step or stage
翻譯: 指一系列行動或發展中的第一步或第一個階段。
- 3
最初（用於對比）
EN: used to introduce the first of a series of facts or points
翻譯: 用於引出一系列事實或觀點中的第一項，常帶有後續轉折的預期。
小提醒：「initially」強調的是時間上的起點，常與後續發展形成對比（例如：Initially I was hesitant, but later I agreed.）。它與「originally」有時可互換，但「originally」更常指事物的原始狀態或構想。
發音（How to Pronounce "Initially" in English）
How to pronounce "Initially" in English?"Initially" US vs UK pronunciation
點擊下方的 US / UK 按鈕可播放發音。
Real-life Examples of "Initially" from YouTube Videos
Synthetic Media: Virtual Influencers & Live Animation: Figments (S19) - YC Gaming Tech Talks 2020
Y Combinator
“and when kovitt hit, initially, we're based in los angeles.”
(1 out of 26)
Definitions（定義）
What are the definitions of "Initially"?How does "Initially" change by context?
2. used to introduce the first of a list of points or stages
用於引出一系列要點或階段中的第一項
The report covers three areas: initially, market analysis; secondly, competitor review; and finally, our strategy.
這份報告涵蓋三個領域：首先是市場分析；其次是競爭對手審查；最後是我們的策略。
To apply, you must initially complete the online form.
要申請，你首先必須完成線上表格。
3. in the early stages of a process or period of time
在過程或時期的早期階段
The drug is initially effective, but its benefits may decrease over time.
這種藥物在初期階段是有效的，但其益處可能會隨著時間減少。
Initially, the company focused solely on the domestic market.
在早期階段，這家公司只專注於國內市場。
Grammar & Patterns（句型）
What are common sentence patterns for "Initially"?How to make natural sentences with "Initially"?
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| initially + clause | 起初，一開始 | Initially, we planned to travel by train. (起初，我們計劃乘火車旅行。) |
| be + initially + adjective | 最初是…的 | The project was initially successful. (這個專案最初是成功的。) |
| be + initially + past participle | 最初被… | The idea was initially rejected by the committee. (這個想法最初被委員會拒絕了。) |
| initially + to-infinitive (purpose) | 最初是為了… | He came here initially to study Mandarin. (他來這裡最初是為了學習中文。) |
| V + initially | 最初（做某事） | They agreed initially but later changed their minds. (他們最初同意了，但後來改變了主意。) |
用法說明
How is "Initially" different from similar structures?What usage mistakes are common with "Initially"?
initially 與 at first 的區別
- initially 通常指一個過程、計畫或情況的最初階段，暗示後續可能會有變化或發展。
- at first 則更強調時間順序上的「一開始」，常用於對比最初印象與後來的發現或結果。
- 在許多情況下兩者可以互換，但 initially 聽起來更正式、更書面化。
- 當描述一系列事件的第一步時，用 initially 比用 at first 更為自然。 EN: Initially, the project was planned to take three months. 翻譯: 這個專案最初計劃耗時三個月。
EN:At first, I thought the noise was from the street.
翻譯:一開始，我以為噪音是從街上傳來的。
EN:She was initially hesitant to accept the offer.
翻譯:她最初對於接受這個提議有些猶豫。
EN:At first, the software seems complicated, but it's actually easy to use.
翻譯:這軟體乍看之下很複雜，但其實很容易上手。
總結建議
在正式或書面語境中描述計畫、過程的開端時，使用 initially；強調時間順序上的對比或最初印象時，則常用 at first。
易混淆對比
What is the difference between "Initially" and similar words?How to choose "Initially" vs alternatives?
initially vs at first
兩者都表示「一開始」，但 "initially" 較正式且多用於書面或正式場合，"at first" 則較口語且常暗示後續有變化。
initially vs originally
"initially" 強調時間順序上的「最初階段」，而 "originally" 強調「最初的來源、構想或狀態」，常涉及與現狀的對比。
initially vs firstly
"initially" 描述時間上的起始狀態，"firstly" 則用於列舉清單中的第一點，功能不同。
口語用法
How is "Initially" used in spoken English?What is the spoken vs formal difference for "Initially"?
引述
用於引述自己或他人最初的想法或計畫，常與「我本來想...」或「他一開始...」等句型搭配。 EN: Initially, I thought the meeting was at 3 PM. 翻譯: 我本來以為會議是下午三點。
EN:She initially said she couldn't come, but then changed her mind.
翻譯:她一開始說她不能來，但後來改變主意了。
語氣強調
放在句首，強調事情發展的起點或轉折，以對比後續的變化。 EN: Initially, it was just a hobby, but now it's my full-time job. 翻譯: 最初這只是一個興趣，但現在成了我的全職工作。
EN:The project was initially very challenging for everyone.
翻譯:這個專案一開始對每個人來說都非常有挑戰性。
停頓填充
在口語思考或組織句子時，用作短暫的停頓填充詞，類似「嗯...一開始...」。 EN: So, initially... I guess we should look at the budget first. 翻譯: 所以，一開始嘛...我想我們應該先看看預算。
EN:Well, initially, I wasn't sure, but now I agree with you.
翻譯:嗯，一開始我不太確定，但現在我同意你的看法。
正式寫作注意：在學術或正式商業文件中，建議優先使用更正式的替代詞，如 "at the outset"、"originally" 或 "in the initial stages"，以取代過於口語化的 "initially"。
常見短語
What common collocations use "Initially"?What fixed phrases with "Initially" should I remember?
initially
adverb
最初，起初，開始時
initially thought/believed
adverb + past participle
最初認為/相信
initially reluctant
adverb + adjective
起初不情願的
initially successful
adverb + adjective
最初成功的
appear initially
verb + adverb
最初出現/顯得
only initially
adverb + adverb
僅在最初階段
initially at least
adverb + prepositional phrase
至少一開始是這樣
常見錯誤
What are common mistakes with "Initially"?Which "Initially" sentences look correct but are wrong?
×I initially thought it was a good idea, but now I think it's not.
✓I initially thought it was a good idea, but now I don't.
在「initially」之後的對比句中，應避免重複使用「think」和否定詞「not」，這樣會顯得不自然且冗餘。正確用法是簡化後半句，例如使用「but now I don't」。
×Initially, he didn't liked the plan.
✓Initially, he didn't like the plan.
在助動詞「did」之後，動詞應使用原形「like」，而非過去式「liked」。這是學習者常見的動詞時態錯誤。
×At initially, we had few members.
✓Initially, we had few members.
「Initially」本身已是副詞，意為「最初、起初」，前面不需要再加介系詞「at」。這是受中文「在最初」結構影響的常見錯誤。
×We initially meet last year.
✓We initially met last year.
當描述過去某個時間點「最初」發生的事情時，應使用過去式動詞「met」，而非現在式「meet」。
×It was an initially idea.
✓It was an initial idea.
「Initially」是副詞，用來修飾動詞、形容詞或整個句子。修飾名詞「idea」時，應使用形容詞「initial」。
×Initially of the project, we were very excited.
✓At the initial stage of the project, we were very excited.
「Initially」不能直接與「of」連用來表示「在...的最初階段」。正確說法是使用「at the initial stage of」或「in the initial phase of」。
詞形變化
What are the word forms of "Initially"?What are tense/participle forms of "Initially"?