1. the quality or state of being first in time, order, or importance
Usage: formal; often used in philosophical or abstract contexts
2. in philosophy, the quality of being immediate or direct experience, as distinguished from mediation or interpretation
Usage: technical; philosophy

Examples

• The firstness of her arrival gave her an advantage in the competition.
• He valued the firstness of direct observation over secondhand reports.
• The company's firstness in the market helped establish its brand dominance.
• Philosophers debate the firstness of sensory experience in understanding reality.
• Her firstness to recognize the problem made her a natural leader.