Library / English Dictionary

IN THE FIRST PLACE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adverb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of primary import

Example:

it was in the first place a local matter

Synonyms:

in the first place; primarily

Classified under:

Adverbs

Sense 2

Meaning:

Before now

Example:

why didn't you tell me in the first place?

Synonyms:

earlier; in the beginning; in the first place; originally; to begin with

Classified under:

Adverbs

Credits

 Context examples: 

It was due to his whim that I was detained aboard in the first place.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

They were stopping, however, in the first place at Mrs. Bates's; whose house was a little nearer Randalls than Ford's; and had all but knocked, when Emma caught their eye.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

In the first place, William was gone.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

In the first place, I was so afraid it would rain this morning, just as I wanted to set off; it looked very showery, and that would have thrown me into agonies!

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

And in the first place, let us hear what has happened to you all since you went away.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

But it is better to prevent drug abuse in the first place.

(Drugs and Young People, NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse)

But the best is to prevent drug abuse in the first place.

(Drug Abuse, NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse)

I was curious, in the first place, to see how far the family ear had been reproduced in her.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Mrs. Crupp said, in the first place, of course it was well known she couldn't be expected to wait, but she knew a handy young man, who she thought could be prevailed upon to do it, and whose terms would be five shillings, and what I pleased.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

In the first place, I had a note from Mrs Croft yesterday, offering to convey anything to you; a very kind, friendly note indeed, addressed to me, just as it ought; I shall therefore be able to make my letter as long as I like.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)