"of the highest excellence," 1660s, from first (adj.) + rate (n.) in a specific sense "class of warships in the British Navy." As a mere emphatic statement expressing excellence, by 1812. Colloquially, as a quasi-adverb, 1844.
双语例句
1. English has hurt me a thousand times, but I still regard it as my first love.
英语伤我千百遍，我待英语如初恋。
来自金山词霸 每日一句
2. I picked first all the people who usually were left till last.
我先挑出了所有通常留到最后的人。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Their first car rolls off the production line on December 16.
他们的第一辆车于12月16日下线。
来自柯林斯例句
4. They were still arguing the toss about the first goal.
他们仍在为第一个进球争论不休。
来自柯林斯例句
5. It is better to stretch the tight muscles first.
