例句
1.我们做这件事的时候，起初还算顺利，后来困难就多了。
2.起初我还以为他很腼腆，后来我才发觉他是不爱理人。
1. 最初；起先。
引
1. 你起初时要他，便推轮捧毂；后来时怕他，慌封侯蹑足。
元
《赚蒯通》第一折
2. 起初里中传个好名，叫做“孝弟许武”，如今抹落了武字，改做“孝弟许家”。
《醒世恒言·三孝廉让产立高名》
3. 在起初，他固然想用着，“𩟓，这算什么呢？……”如像这样泰然傲然的态度来敌挡一切。
《转变》
陈翔鹤
"起初" originally means "the beginning" or "at the start" in English. It refers to the initial stage or point of something ①. This term is often used in literature, philosophy, and other fields to indicate the start of a narrative, event, or process ②.
In addition to its use as a noun, "起 initial" can also be used as an adverb to describe the early stages or the start of a situation or experience ③.
Overall, "起初" is a versatile term that conveys the idea of starting or beginning. Its specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used ④.
① Dictionary.com, "initially", available at: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/initially. ② Britannica, "Philosophy of history", available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/philosophy-of-history/Basic-problems. ③ Cambridge Dictionary, "at first", available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/at-first. ④ ThoughtCo, "Understanding Narrative Arc", available at: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-narrative-arc-1856853.