Meaning of the word "to begin with" in English

What does "to begin with" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

to begin with

US /tə bɪˈɡɪn wɪθ/
UK /tə bɪˈɡɪn wɪð/

Phrase

1.

firstly; to start with

Example:
To begin with, we need to gather all the necessary documents.
There are several reasons why I can't help you. To begin with, I'm too busy.
2.

originally; in the first place

Example:
I never wanted to go there to begin with.
If you hadn't broken it to begin with, we wouldn't have this problem.