French word

premier

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁəmje/

Meaning

  • adjectivefirst

Example

Je prends le premier train.

I take the first train.

Illustration for premier (first)

More examples

Au premier abord, le problème semble simple.

At first glance, the problem seems simple.

Core concept

The leading place in an ordered line, occupied by the item that comes before the rest.

Common phrases

  • au premier abord

    at first glance

  • le premier pas

    first step

  • le premier rang

    front row

Similar words

prochain: Due to come next, especially in the near future.
suivant: Following another item in an established sequence.
dernier: Coming last in a series or period.

Definition in French

S'emploie pour désigner la position initiale dans une série, pouvant aussi être utilisé comme pronom (le premier) pour désigner le premier élément.

Word origin

The French form premier is an inherited development of Latin primarius, a word formed from primus, 'first'.

Usage tips

  • In le premier, premier is an adjective used substantively, with the omitted noun understood from the context; la première is used for a feminine noun.

Other meanings

  • primaryadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word