initials
word · lemma: initial
/ˌɪˈnɪʃəɫz/
i-NI-shuhlz
/ɪnˈɪʃəlz/
i-NI-shuhlz
Definition
The first letters of each part of a person's name, or the first letters of a group of words, often used as an abbreviation.
Usage & Nuances
Usually refers to a person's name (e.g., J.K. Rowling = 'J.K.'), or to acronym abbreviations. Often written with periods (A.B.C.) but sometimes without. Not the same as 'signature.' Common phrases are 'write your initials' or 'use your initials.'
Spanish: inicialesPortuguese (BR): iniciaisPortuguese (PT): iniciaisChinese (Simplified): 首字母Chinese (Traditional): 首字母Hindi: प्रारंभिक अक्षरArabic: الأحرف الأولىBengali: ইনিশিয়াল - সংক্ষিপ্ত নামের আদ্যক্ষরRussian: инициалыJapanese: イニシャルVietnamese: chữ viết tắt tên - chữ cái đầuKorean: 이니셜Turkish: baş harflerUrdu: ابتدائی حروفIndonesian: inisial
Example Sentences
Please write your initials on this form.
basic
Her initials are M.S.
basic
He signed the document with his initials.
basic
A lot of celebrities use their initials as their stage names.
natural
The company's name is so long, people usually just use the initials.
natural
Can you put your initials next to the changes you made?
natural