first
UK[fɜːst]US[fɜːrst]
adj
Coming before all others in time, order, or importance.
adv
Before anything or anyone else in time, order, or importance.
n
The person or thing that comes before all others.
Etymology
The word 'first' originates from the Old English 'fyrst', which itself evolved from the Proto-Germanic superlative form 'furistaz'. This Germanic root is built upon the adverb 'fur', meaning 'before', which traces back to the Proto-Indo-European 'per-', a prolific root with a core sense of 'forward, through, in front of'. The semantic journey from the ancient concept of 'foremost in position' to the modern meanings of being earliest in time or highest in rank demonstrates a classic metaphorical extension. Thus, 'first' encapsulates the idea of the foremost position, whether in a sequence, in time, or in importance.
Analysis
The word 'first' is a simplex form. It is a Germanic superlative formation from the same root as 'fore' and 'before'.
Examples
She won first prize in the competition.
First, let me introduce myself.
He was the first to arrive at the meeting.