first/next/last

Từ điển Oxford Learners Wordfinder Dictionary

1 order
2 first
3 next
4 last
BEFORE/AFTER see also first, second, third ※‡’ NUMBER

1 order
- the way in which people or things are arranged in relation to each other: order (noun C/U)
Somebody had put the names on the list in a different order. ◎ in order of importance
- the order in which things happen: sequence (noun C/U)
What was the sequence of events?
- happening one after the other: consecutive (adverb consecutively)
- arranged in the order in which the events happened: chronological
a chronological account of the war
- first one then the next: one after another, one after the other
They came onto the stage one after the other and bowed to the audience.
- a number of people or things that follow one after another: succession
He's suffered from a succession of defeats in the last year.
- coming one after the other: running (used after a number and a noun), in succession, successive, consecutive
three years running ◎ The champion had had five successive wins at Wimbledon.

2 first
- coming before all others in time, order or importance: first (adjective, adverb)
It's the first house on the right. ◎ our first child ◎ The First World War ◎ Do you remember the first time we met? ◎ When John first met Laura, he didn't like her very much.
- the first person or thing: the first (plural the first)
We were the first to arrive. ◎ The mining industry was one of the first to be nationalized. ◎ That's the first I've heard about it.
- coming at the beginning of sth: initial
In the initial stages, it seemed possible that the plan could fail.
- at the beginning: at first, initially
At first, I thought he was lying, then I realized he was telling the truth.
- first, before changes or developments: original (adverb originally)
We changed our original plans and decided to go earlier. ◎ He's from London originally, but now he lives in Paris.
- the first part of sth (for example a film or a book): beginning, start
an exciting beginning ◎ That was the start of our adventure.
※ more on beginning BEGIN
- when first seen or examined: at first sight, at first glance
At first glance, I thought he was carrying a gun, then I realized it was just an umbrella.
- as the first or most important thing: first of all
First of all, we visited the museums; then in the afternoon we went shopping.
- as the first point in a list: firstly, first, in the first place
There are two reasons for the success of this scheme: firstly ※€¦
※—† first in importance
- to be more important than anything else: come* first
My children come first, before anything else.
- something that is most important or that you must do before anything else: priority (noun C/U)
His work takes priority over everything else.
- the first or most important position: top, head
Her name was at the top of the list. ◎ He was at the head of the queue.
※ being important IMPORTANT
※—† competitions
- to be the best, the first or the most successful in sth: win* (sth); to win in a race or competition: come* first
Obviously I had hoped to win, but I'm still pleased that I came second. ◎ She came first in the swimming competition.
- the first place or position: the lead
'Who's in the lead?' 'Italy are at the moment.'
※ winning and losing WIN/LOSE
※—† the first of its kind
- a picture, book, etc as it was produced by the person who made it: original
This is only a copy of the painting - the original's kept locked away.
- the first model or design of sth from which other forms will be copied or developed: prototype
a prototype computer terminal
- to be one of the first people to do sth or develop sth: pioneer sth; a person who does this: pioneer
Our company has pioneered the use of seat belts in buses. ◎ a pioneer of modern medicine

3 next
- coming immediately after sb/sth in space or time: next (adjective, adverb)
The next bus comes at six o'clock. ◎ We'll go to the zoo next time you're in London. ◎ Who's next? ◎ the next on the list ◎ What did you do next?
- immediately after sth in space or time: then
First you'll see the garage on your left, and then the turning into our street.
- planned to come next in order: to follow
There's apple pie next and then some cheese to follow.
Note: when we are talking about the day of the week, the week, the month or the year that follows the present one, we do not use the; in other uses, we do use the:
I'll be in Paris next week. ◎ The next week was not a very enjoyable one.

4 last
- coming after all others in time, order or importance: last (adjective, adverb)
the last one ◎ That's the last time I take those children out for the day - they didn't even say thank you. ◎ to come last in a race
- the last person or thing: the last (plural the last)
the last in the queue ◎ We were the last to get to the party. ◎ That was the last I ever heard of her.
- the one before the last: last but one
It's the last house but one on the right.
- last in a series: last, final
the last chapter in a book ◎ I answered the final question in the last half-hour of the exam. ◎ I'll give you five pounds for it, and that's my final offer. ◎ The final report will be published by the Government next year.
- as the last of a series: lastly, finally
First, I telephoned; then I sent a letter; lastly, I went round and saw him myself.
- last and most important: ultimate
Our ultimate goal is to visit all the countries in Africa.
- only remaining: last; the only remaining person or thing: the last (plural the last)
Who wants the last piece of cake? ◎ Will the last person out please lock the door. ◎ You'd better take this appointment - it's the last one. ◎ The last of the guests have left.
- nearest to the present; most recent: last; on the occasion nearest to the present: last
She arrived last week/Tuesday. ◎ I can't remember the last time we went to see them. ◎ When did you last see her?
- (used about a book, film, record, etc) the one most recently produced: (informal) latest
Have you heard their latest record?
- the place or time when sth stops: end
the end of the road ◎ at the end of July
- the last part of sth: end, ending
The film was good but I didn't really like the ending.
※ more on ending END/FINISH