Meaning 1neutral · 82%
Present during the early stage of a development before circumstances change.
Natural examples
Meine anfänglichen Zweifel sind inzwischen verschwunden.
My initial doubts have now disappeared.
Die anfänglichen Schwierigkeiten beim Radfahren waren schnell überwunden.
The initial difficulties with cycling were quickly overcome.
Seine anfängliche Begeisterung für den Verein hielt nicht lange.
His initial enthusiasm for the club did not last long.
Usage note
It is not compared and usually precedes a noun: anfängliche Zweifel. Adverbially it means initially; predicative use is unusual.
Mini-lesson: anfänglich
Present during the early stage of a development before circumstances change. It is not compared and usually precedes a noun: anfängliche Zweifel. Adverbially it means initially; predicative use is unusual.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «anfänglich»?