As a Noun: 1. A person, thing or event that comes before all the others of the same kind; the first thing. English = original. 2. Of a group of siblings, the child who is the oldest. English = first-born. 3. A thing of a particular type that you like most or best; a favourite thing. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To be the person, thing or event that happens or comes before all the others of the same kind or at the beginning of a process. English = (be) first, (be) initial. 2. To be the thing of a particular type that you like most or best. English = (be) favourite. 3. To be child who is born first in a group of siblings and is thus older than the others. English = (be) first-born, (be) eldest. As Modifier: 1. You use this sign when you are about to mention a series of items, starting with the first; or when you are sequencing actions, events or ideas in a chronological or logical order. English = first of all. 2. Used at the beginning of a signed sentence to place the actions mentioned in it at the very beginning of a whole process. English = initially, originally.