Meaning
at first, firstly, first of all
In a sentence
Dapprima non capivo il problema, poi ho capito.
At first I didn't understand the problem, then I got it.
Hai guardato dapprima il prezzo o la qualità?
Did you look at the price first or the quality?
Dapprima abbiamo preso un caffè, poi siamo usciti.
First we had a coffee, then we went out.
Usage notes
- More formal and literary than prima or all'inizio; common in writing, narration, and essays, less in casual speech.
- Often pairs with poi or successivamente to structure events: dapprima..., poi....
- Usually placed before the verb or clause it introduces; avoid using it as an adjective or noun.