first/firstly used when mentioning the first in a list of reasons, arguments, or questions to consider:
I want you to consider these three points in your essay: first, what is the writer’s attitude to the war in this poem ... There are several reasons for this conclusion. Firstly ...first of all used especially to emphasize that the first of several things you are going to say is the most important thing:
The content of the article must, first of all, be accurate. First of all, a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last two years.in the first place spoken (
also for a start British English)
spoken used when giving the first and most important reason or example, especially when you are arguing or discussing something with someone:
Our main priority should be better public transport – in the first place to reduce the amount of traffic on our roads. He’s not the right person for the job. For a start he’s too young.to begin with/to start with spoken used when telling someone the first and most important thing that you want to say:
There are numerous activities on offer. To start with there are over 60 miles of walks with splendid views. Let me tell you something about him. To begin with, he is the most difficult man that I know. [TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲