Word: First Name
Definition: A first name is the name that comes before the surname (last name) of a person. It is often what people are called in everyday life. For example, in the name "John Smith," "John" is the first name.
Usage Instructions: - You usually use a person’s first name when you are speaking to them in a casual or friendly way. - In formal situations, people might use a title (like Mr., Mrs., or Dr.) along with the last name instead of the first name.
Examples: 1. My first name is Emily, but my friends call me Em. 2. When I meet someone, I often ask, "What is your first name?"
Advanced Usage: - In some cultures, the first name can have special meanings or be chosen based on family traditions. - Some people have multiple first names, known as "compound first names" (e.g., Mary Ann, Anne Marie).
Word Variants: - Middle Name: This is another name that comes between the first name and the surname. For example, in "John Michael Smith," "Michael" is the middle name. - Last Name/Surname: This is the family name that comes after the first name.
Different Meanings: - While "first name" strictly refers to a person's given name, in broader contexts, it can also refer to the initial stage or the beginning of something (e.g., "This was his first name in the industry").
Synonyms: - Given name - Forename - Christian name (often used in religious contexts)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "first name," but you might encounter phrases like "on a first-name basis," which means to be familiar enough with someone to use their first name instead of a title and last name.
Summary: A first name is the personal name people are called by, coming before their surname.