first

first
first
1. When used with a number, first (like last) normally precedes it, as in the first three cars. This practice dates from the 16c, when first came to be regarded more as an adjective than as a noun; before that time, it was common to say the two (or three, etc.) first…. In current use, the order the three first cars would suggest three cars that came first in three races, and not the three cars that came first, second, and third in the same race.
2. In listing a sequence of points or topics, there is a convention that the first item is introduced by first, not firstly, although the continuation can be secondly, thirdly, fourthly, etc. The reason for this is that first early on had a role as an adverb, and the use of firstly, though established by the 17c, was felt to be an unnecessary affectation. Today this rule seems little more than a superstition, and various sequences are in use: first…, secondly…, thirdly; firstly…, secondly…, thirdly…; firstly…, second…, third…Of these, the first two options are both acceptable, but the third should be avoided.

Modern English usage. 2014.

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  • First — (f[ e]rst), a. [OE. first, furst, AS. fyrst; akin to Icel. fyrstr, Sw. & Dan. f[ o]rste, OHG. furist, G. f[ u]rst prince; a superlatiye form of E. for, fore. See {For}, {Fore}, and cf. {Formeer}, {Foremost}.] 1. Preceding all others of a series… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • First — or 1st is the ordinal form of the number one. It can also refer to:* FIRST, a science and technology competition founded by Dean Kamen * FIRST (CERT), Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams * Ruth First (1925 1982), a leading anti… …   Wikipedia

  • First — (f[ e]rst), adv. Before any other person or thing in time, space, rank, etc.; much used in composition with adjectives and participles. [1913 Webster] Adam was first formed, then Eve. 1 Tim. ii. 13. [1913 Webster] {At first}, {At the first}, at… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • First — First, n. (Mus.) The upper part of a duet, trio, etc., either vocal or instrumental; so called because it generally expresses the air, and has a pre[ e]minence in the combined effect. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • FIRST — Infobox Non profit Non profit name = FIRST Non profit Non profit type = 501(c)(3) not for profit public charity founded date = 1989 founder = Dean Kamen location = Manchester, NH origins = key people = Dean Kamen, Founder John Abele, Chairman of… …   Wikipedia

  • first — I. adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English fyrst; akin to Old High German furist first, Old English faran to go more at fare Date: before 12th century preceding all others in time, order, or importance: as a. earliest b. being the… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • first — See: AT FIRST BLUSH, AT FIRST SIGHT, CAST THE FIRST STONE, GET TO FIRST BASE or REACH FIRST BASE, IN THE FIRST PLACE, OF THE FIRST WATER …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • first — See: AT FIRST BLUSH, AT FIRST SIGHT, CAST THE FIRST STONE, GET TO FIRST BASE or REACH FIRST BASE, IN THE FIRST PLACE, OF THE FIRST WATER …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • First-order logic — is a formal logical system used in mathematics, philosophy, linguistics, and computer science. It goes by many names, including: first order predicate calculus, the lower predicate calculus, quantification theory, and predicate logic (a less… …   Wikipedia

  • First-class cricket — refers to the class of cricket matches of three or more days scheduled duration, between two sides of eleven players and officially adjudged first class by virtue of the standard of the competing teams. Matches must allow for the teams to play… …   Wikipedia

  • First Amendment to the United States Constitution — First Amendment redirects here. For other uses, see First Amendment (disambiguation). United States of America This a …   Wikipedia

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