to start with

1 of 1adverb

/tə stɑrt wɪð/

1

used when stating the first and foremost reason or point that needs to be mentioned or considered

There are problems.To start with, neither of us likes housework.
To start with, we need to address the issue of insufficient resources before we proceed.
To start with, I didn't have enough money to make the trip possible.
To start with, we should focus on improving communication within the team.

Synonyms:

firstly first first off first of all to begin with

2

used to indicate the beginning stage of a situation, event, etc.

To start with, he had no interest in learning the piano, but now he practices every day.
To start with, the task seemed overwhelming, but it became manageable once we broke it down.
To start with, she didn't want to go to the event, but she enjoyed herself after arriving.
To start with, we thought the plan was solid, but some adjustments had to be made later.
He wasn’t very confident to start with, but his skills improved over time.

Synonyms:

in the beginning initially in the first place at first early on originally ab initio to begin with