first and foremost

1. Also, first of all. Most important, primarily; also, to begin with. For example, First and foremost, I want to thank our sponsors, or What we need, first and foremost, is a new secretary, or We have to deal, first of all, with the early history. The first term, dating from the late 1300s, is redundant, since first and foremost mean virtually the same thing. Both it and the variant, which dates from the mid-1500s, are used to give emphasis to the initial item in a list of several. Also see first off; first thing.

Example Sentences

“It’s a health issue, first and foremost,” said Nazarian, who pointed out that the effects of extreme heat fall disproportionately on vulnerable populations like those who are chronically ill.

From Los Angeles Times

First and foremost, that requires a reassertion that she is in charge of this process.

From BBC

It revolved around rudimentary weightlifting; first and foremost, sets of back squats the day after he took the mound.

From Los Angeles Times

It is first and foremost a tragedy for his family and friends.

From BBC

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday that security guarantees for Ukraine would first and foremost enable the Ukrainian army to defend their country in the long term.

From BBC

Related Words

• basically 
• chiefly 
• generally 
• importantly www.thesaurus.com
• largely 
• mostly 
• notably 
• particularly 
• predominantly www.thesaurus.com