first

First is a basic linguistic term used as an adjective, determiner, and adverb. In its core sense, it marks the earliest position in a sequence or the initial occurrence of something. As an adjective before a noun, it indicates the leading or primary element: the first chapter, the first priority. As an adverb, it can describe timing or order: she arrived first; the problem was solved first. It can also function as a noun in phrases like "the first" to refer to the earliest person or thing in a group.

Etymology: from Old English fyrst, from Proto-Germanic *furistaz, related to Dutch eerste and German erster, meaning foremost or initial. The term has developed figurative uses to indicate precedence or primacy in various domains.

Usage and nuance: first often implies a clear, unambiguous starting point, but definitions of starting point can be relative. For example, in a race the winner is the first to finish; in history, the "first" event depends on the chosen timeline. In mathematics or logic, "first" may be used when sorting or comparing elements, or to describe the earliest occurrence of a property. It also appears in common phrases such as first aid, first impression, or first-rate, where the word signifies primacy or importance rather than numerically counting.

Cultural note: many cultures mark firsts as milestones—first discoveries, first travels, or first achievements—often celebrated as benchmarks of progress.