What does initial mean?
Initial means belonging to or occurring at the beginning of something. It describes the first stage, impression, reaction, response, or version in a process, as in “initial results” or “the initial design.” As a noun, an initial is the first letter of a person's name or of a word; a person's initials are commonly used for identification, though today they are often less important than they once were because full names are widely available. The word can also imply something that may later change: an initial reaction may be revised, and an initial attempt may be only the first of several. In general use, it is clear and broadly neutral, ranging from practical descriptions of a process to familiar references to names and written documents.
Existing or occurring at the beginning of a process, period, or series; first in time or order.
"The team made an initial attempt to solve the problem before seeking additional advice."
Often implies that the stage described may be followed by later developments or revisions.
The first letter of a person's name or of a word.
"Her name is accompanied by the initial “B” at the bottom of the form."
The plural initials is especially common when referring to a person's identifying letters.
Rarely, to mark or furnish with an initial letter.
"The scribe initialed each page in the margin."
This is a formal and uncommon literary usage; initials, initialize, and initialise are more usual in modern English.
The usual plural of the noun, especially when referring to a person's first-name and surname initials.
"The initials on the envelope were almost impossible to read."
A name's initials may reveal little about a person, but they can carry a lifetime of identity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does initial come from?
Initial comes from Latin initialis, meaning “of or belonging to the beginning,” formed from initium, “beginning” or “entrance.” The English word entered use in the 16th century in the sense of “belonging to the beginning,” and the noun meaning “first letter” developed from that adjective. The same Latin root is preserved in English words such as initiate, initiation, and initiative, as well as in many cognates in other European languages.
Related word forms
How initial is actually used
Initial is common in both formal and informal English. When used as a noun, it often appears in the plural form initials when referring to a person's identifying letters.
Easily confused with initial
Initial means occurring at the beginning of a process or series, whereas original can mean existing from the outset or being a new creation.
Initial is an adjective or noun, while initially is an adverb meaning at the beginning or in the early stages.