Word for being the first to do something

be the first (person) to (do something)

To be very likely or eager to do something. You know I’d be the first to help you out; just ask me next time. She’ll be the first person to admit that the program has flaws, but she still believes in it very strongly.

See also: first, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

(be) the ˈfirst/ˈlast (person) to do something

be very willing or likely/unwilling or unlikely to do something: I’d be the first person to admit that I’m not perfect.Mary is the last person you’d see in a pub — she hates pubs.

See also: first, last, something, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

See also:

  • be the first (person) to (do something)
  • first in, best dressed
  • for a start
  • first refusal
  • refusal
  • give (someone) the first crack at (something)
  • have (the) first crack at (something)
  • get the first crack at (something)
  • at first
  • first crack at

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What is a word for someone who is totally new in something or participates in something for the first time?

Tushar Raj's user avatar

Tushar Raj

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asked Jun 11, 2015 at 18:16

user124952's user avatar

5

novice:

a person who has just started learning or doing something

Novice is derived from the Latin word novus, which means new.

  • A novice is new to what they do, so a novice photographer is just
    learning how to take nice pictures

(MW)

answered Jun 11, 2015 at 18:30

Manish's user avatar

ManishManish

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The obvious one is novice: «A person new to and inexperienced in a job or situation» (Oxford)

Neophyte is an alternative: «A person who is new to a subject or activity» (Oxford). To me that emphasises newness over inexperience, so it’s a bit closer to what you’re looking for — though it’s quite an obscure word so I’d be cautious about using it.

But neither quite implies «for the first time». If it’s important to stress that it literally is the first time, I’d just be explicit and say first-timer (or first-time participant, etc.)

user207421's user avatar

answered Jun 11, 2015 at 18:29

Morton's user avatar

MortonMorton

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If you want to highlight the ‘first-timer’ part…

a virgin.

  1. A person who is naive, innocent, or inexperienced in a particular context:

he’s a political virgin

[ODO]

Community's user avatar

answered Jun 11, 2015 at 18:46

Tushar Raj's user avatar

Tushar RajTushar Raj

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Abecedarian, as a noun, means means either a novice — a person just learning the a-b-c’s of something — or it can describe something arranged alphabetically.

* A novice learning the rudiments of some subject.*

  • Say abecedarian and you will notice something peculiar — it sounds like a-b-c-d, and that’s not a coincidence.
    • a child learning how to spell.

answered Jun 11, 2015 at 20:07

Misti's user avatar

MistiMisti

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2

A beginner:

  • a person who is starting to do something or learn something for the first time:
    • This judo class is for beginners only.

(Cambridge Dict.)

answered Jun 11, 2015 at 18:48

Synonyms


strike out

phrasal verb

to start doing something new or different, especially in order to become more independent

branch out

phrasal verb

to start doing something new or different

pioneer

verb

to be a pioneer doing something for the first time

change over

phrasal verb

to stop doing or using one thing and start doing or using something else

change

verb

to stop doing one thing and start doing something different

try your hand at something

phrase

to do an activity for the first time in order to find out whether you like it or are good at it

change direction/course

phrase

to start doing something completely new or different

turn your hand to something

phrase

to start doing something new, especially something that involves skill

give something a try

phrase

to do something in order to find out what happens or to find out whether something is good, suitable, effective etc

sample

verb

to try doing a new activity for a time


More synonyms


begin

verb

to give your attention to something for the first time

blaze a trail

phrase

to be the first to do something new and important

break new ground

phrase

to do something completely different from what has been done before

break with

phrasal verb

if someone breaks with the past or with tradition, they start doing things in a completely new way

cut your teeth on something

phrase

to get your first experience in a particular job by doing something

deviate

verb

to start doing something different from what is expected or agreed

dip a/your toe into something

phrasal verb

to try something new in a very careful way because you are not confident about it

diversify

verb

business to develop new products or activities in addition to the ones that you already provide or do

experiment

verb

to try new ideas, methods, or activities in order to find out what results they will have

get your feet wet

phrase

to start doing something for the first time

give something a whirl

phrase

to try a new activity

go off at/on a tangent

phrase

to suddenly start doing, discussing, or thinking about something completely different

go on

phrasal verb

to do something after doing something else

move on

phrasal verb

to stop discussing or doing something and begin discussing or doing something different

move over

phrasal verb

to start to do something in a different way

spread/stretch/try your wings

phrase

to start to do new and interesting things that you have not done before

switch over

phrasal verb

to stop doing one thing and start doing another

take the lead

phrase

to do something as an example for others to follow

tee off

phrasal verb

informal to start a new activity

turn to

phrasal verb

to start doing something new or different from what you were doing before


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Before an exam you can revise or cram I for it. If the exam happens every year, you can look at past papers2• Some things can be memorised or learnt off by heart. But rotelearning! is not sufficient for most subjects. It is also possible to use mnemonics .•. But trick alone are not enough, and the best idea is to bury yourself in your books5 until you know the subject inside out6•

• It’s a good idea to start with a mind-map I when preparing an essay. Always write a first draft2 before writing up the final version. Your essay should be all your own work; plagiarism3 is a very serious offence in most colleges and universities. There is usually a deadline». After the essay is submitted5, it will be assessed6 and usually you can get feedback7.

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Have you been longing to do something new but don’t know where to begin? Life is too short to waste any more time thinking about all of the things you’d like to do, when you could be doing them right now! By brainstorming some ideas and doing a bit of research, you can put your plan of doing something new, into action!

  1. Image titled Do Something for the First Time Step 1

    1

    Make a list of all of the things you’d like to try. Have you been wanting to learn how to mountain bike or cook an Italian meal? Perhaps you’d like to try your hand at poker or maybe you yearn to learn a new language. Regardless of what it is, jot down all of the things that interest you.

    • Realize that brainstorming isn’t about judging ideas or forcing yourself to think in a certain way. Brainstorming is solely about creation.[1]
    • For now, don’t focus on the practicality of doing a new activity. Just have fun in coming up with a list of ideas!
  2. Image titled Do Something for the First Time Step 2

    2

    Ask friends for suggestions. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, seek the help of a friend. Think of someone you know who likes to try new things. It’s OK to borrow ideas.

    • Invite a group of friends over and ask them to share some of their favorite past times. Chances are you’ll be inspired by what you hear!
    • Post a message on Facebook and ask for help from your Facebook friends.

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  3. Image titled Do Something for the First Time Step 3

    3

    Look online for potential ideas. Websites such as Pinterest are great resources for finding ideas. Do a simple search for, “try something new” and see what comes back.

    • On Pinterest, for example, there are ideas for couples trips, there are different hairstyle ideas, etc.
    • Be aware that when you do searches online, there may be services that require you to sign up before receiving more information. Know that there are plenty of free ideas online, so don’t feel pressured to join anything unless you really want to.
    • For further inspiration watch the TED Talk by Matt Cutts entitled, Try Something New for 30 Days. Short in length (at only three-and-a-half minutes long); it is extremely encouraging.[2]
  4. Advertisement

  1. Image titled Do Something for the First Time Step 4

    1

    Figure out what you’ll need. Now that you’ve made a list of all the new things you would like to do, it’s time to determine what you’ll need to make your dream a reality!

    • Take the time to research what equipment you should buy, what preparation you’ll need to do, etc.
    • Consider the financial aspect of doing this activity. If there are monetary restrictions, don’t give up on the idea. Try finding a workaround. For example, if you want to learn to cook in Paris, but can’t afford the plane ticket, try finding a local, French cooking class.
    • Remember, you can and you should do more than one new thing — start researching all of your ideas!
  2. Image titled Do Something for the First Time Step 5

    2

    Try a simulation or trial run. For example, if you would like to try a new hair color, you may want to start with a temporary dye. This would allow you to try out that new hue, without having to commit to it.

    • A simulator may also come in handy if your new activity is particularly costly. By simulating the activity, such as flying a plane, you can see how you’d like it before you commit to the expense of actually taking flying lessons.
    • This may not be applicable for everything. Don’t worry if you can’t do a trial run beforehand. That’s part of the fun!
  3. Image titled Do Something for the First Time Step 6

    3

    Ask someone who has already tried it. If you’d still like to learn more, talk to someone you know who has already done that particular activity, or gone to that place.

    • If you don’t specifically know someone who has already done what you want to do, try creating a forum. Forums are areas where you can post and read online discussions, typically in an organized thread layout, from other users with similar interests,[3]
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  1. Image titled Do Something for the First Time Step 7

    1

    Make time for it. You’ve done the prep work. Now you need to make time for your new activity or idea.

    • Fear of making mistakes may result in procrastination. While doing something new may be scary, don’t keep putting it off.[4]
      You can do this!
    • Select a date on your calendar and commit to doing your new activity. Better yet, share what you’ll be doing and when with friends and family. It will help you to follow through if others are involved!
  2. Image titled Do Something for the First Time Step 8

    2

    Ask a friend to join you. What better way to do something new than to share it with a friend. It will not only be a great way to create memories, but may help you to feel more at ease if you have any hesitations.

    • The person you choose to join you could be your spouse, significant other, best friend or your mom. Think of who you’d have the most fun doing your new activity with!
  3. Image titled Do Something for the First Time Step 9

    3

    Bring all of the necessary materials with you. You’ve put time into prepping for the big day. Don’t forget to bring everything you need.

    • This is where having a friend with you could come in handy. Give them the checklist of what you need, prior to the big day. They can serve as your checks and balances should you forget anything.
  4. Image titled Do Something for the First Time Step 10

    4

    Have fun! It’s OK if things don’t go well the first time you try something new. That’s part of the fun in living life and doing new things!

    • Keep referring back to your list of everything you hope to do. Check off as many as you can — you’ll be grateful you did!
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  • Question

    How can I overcome the fear of doing something for the first time?

    Annie Lin, MBA

    Annie Lin is the founder of New York Life Coaching, a life and career coaching service based in Manhattan. Her holistic approach, combining elements from both Eastern and Western wisdom traditions, has made her a highly sought-after personal coach. Annie’s work has been featured in Elle Magazine, NBC News, New York Magazine, and BBC World News. She holds an MBA degree from Oxford Brookes University. Annie is also the founder of the New York Life Coaching Institute which offers a comprehensive life coach certification program. Learn more: https://newyorklifecoaching.com

    Annie Lin, MBA

    Life & Career Coach

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  • Worry less about being perfect at what you’re doing the first time around and focus more on having a great time!

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  • It’s great to try new things, but don’t sink a lot of money into your new activity, hobby or interest until you’re sure you want to stick with it!

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