# in the first place

> English word · Prep_phrase · IPA /ɪn ðə ˈfɜːst pleɪs/

## Definitions
1. To begin with; earlier; firstly; originally; at the start.
2. At all, even (typically in non-negated statements).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/in-the-first-place