In the first instance
phrase
At the start or beginning.
The case will be assessed in the first instance by the department.

Often appears as...
- used in the first instance
- occurs in the first instance
Usage tips
Formal
Academic,Technical
phrase
In the first place, primarily.
In the first instance, you need to call the customer service.

Often appears as...
- contact in the first instance
- respond in the first instance
phrase
In the earliest stage of a process.
Errors need to be identified in the first instance.

Often appears as...
- identify in the first instance
- refer in the first instance
Usage tips
Technical
phrase
In the first level of a legal or official process.
The court of first instance decided in favor of the plaintiff.

Often appears as...
- determined in the first instance
- considered in the first instance
Usage tips
Formal
Academic,Technical
phrase
At the start or beginning.
The case will be assessed in the first instance by the department.

Often appears as...
- used in the first instance
- occurs in the first instance
Usage tips
Formal
Academic,Technical
phrase
In the first place, primarily.
In the first instance, you need to call the customer service.

Often appears as...
- contact in the first instance
- respond in the first instance
phrase
In the earliest stage of a process.
Errors need to be identified in the first instance.

Often appears as...
- identify in the first instance
- refer in the first instance
Usage tips
Technical
phrase
In the first level of a legal or official process.
The court of first instance decided in favor of the plaintiff.

Often appears as...
- determined in the first instance
- considered in the first instance
Usage tips
Formal
Academic,Technical
Definition 1 of 4

Starting Point
Highlights the initial step in a series of actions or events.

In the first instance, gather all necessary documents.
Before Details
Used to suggest addressing the basics before diving into more complex parts.

We should decide the venue in the first instance.
Starting Point
Highlights the initial step in a series of actions or events.

In the first instance, gather all necessary documents.
Before Details
Used to suggest addressing the basics before diving into more complex parts.

We should decide the venue in the first instance.
Starting Point
Highlights the initial step in a series of actions or events.

In the first instance, gather all necessary documents.
Before Details
Used to suggest addressing the basics before diving into more complex parts.

We should decide the venue in the first instance.
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