EnglishMain Dictionary
initial
Universal Words
adjective, noun, verb
adjective [onlybeforenoun] happening at the beginning; first:
an initial payment of ｣60 and ten instalments of ｣25 * in the initial stages (= at the beginning) of the campaign * My initial reaction was to decline the offer.
noun
1 [C] the first letter of a person's first name:
'What initial is it, Mrs Owen?' 'It's J, J for Jane.'
2 (initials) [pl.] the first letters of all of a person's names:
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was often known by his initials JFK. * Just write your initials.
verb (-ll-, AmE usually -l-) [VN] to mark or sign sth with your initials:
Please initial each page and sign in the space provided. * The agreement was finally initialled on May 8.
