adverb

d'abord

first

Cela veut dire en premier, avant toute autre chose.

The French phrase "d'abord" translates to "first" or "first of all" in English. It is used to indicate the first item or point in a sequence of thoughts, steps, or actions. It's often employed to express the initial priority or to introduce the beginning of an argument or explanation.

Contextual Uses:

Sequential: "D'abord, nous allons faire les courses." (First, we will do the groceries.)
**Emphasizing: "D'abord, je suis fatigué." (First of all, I am tired.)

Synonyms and Differences:

Premièrement: This means "first" and is more formal. It is typically used in structured contexts like essays or speeches.
Tout d'abord: This translates to "first of all" and conveys a slightly more comprehensive or important first issue compared to "d'abord." It can set the stage for more detailed elaboration.

In summary, while all these terms point to the beginning of something, "d'abord" has a more conversational or informal tone, while "premièrement" is used in more formal situations, and "tout d'abord" adds an emphasis on the comprehensive introduction of ideas.