Use 'at first' to talk about how someone responds when they encounter something new.

Initial Reaction

Describe the early stages of an experience or feeling that changes over time.

Early Stages

'At first' is used when discussing the initial tries at an activity before improvement.

'At first' implies a contrast with how situations or opinions evolve or change later.

'At first' can introduce an initial impression that proved to be false or incomplete.

Talk about the start of a complex process, which then moves forward or develops.