different between preferentially vs firstly

English

Etymology

From preferential +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?p??f.??(?)??n.??.li/

Adverb

preferentially (not comparable)

1. in a preferential manner
2. advantageously

English

Etymology

Coined between 1525 and 1535 from first +? -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?f??stli/

Adverb

firstly (not comparable)

1. (formal) In the first place; before anything else; first.

Usage notes

• Whether it is proper to use "firstly", rather than "first", has often been disputed.
  • Beginning in the early 19th century, some have argued against the use of "firstly", advocating the sequence: "First", "secondly", "thirdly", ....
  • The usage of "firstly" is also deprecated by some modern style guides. The Chicago Manual of Style further recommends that all such -ly forms be avoided, and that list items begin only with "first", "second", and so forth.
  • Other authorities disagree.
    • The American Heritage Dictionary comments:

      It is well established that either first or firstly can be used to begin an enumeration: Our objectives are, first (or firstly), to recover from last year's slump.

    • The Oxford English Dictionary notes the dispute but does not pass judgment: "many writers prefer first, even though closely followed by secondly, thirdly, etc."
  • "Firstly" may appear more formal than "first" and is often recommended for the formal enumeration of arguments.

Synonyms

• 1stly, first, first of all, first up; see also Thesaurus:firstly

Translations

See also

• at first
• in the first place

References