Derivative of root ראשׁ — canonical: H7217 רֵאשׁ (9 family members).

Principal or initial part, beginning, earliest, or chief portion of something; in various contexts, refers to the origin or starting point of a process, period, or thing (e.g., 'beginning of time,' 'first produce,' 'chief rank'). May designate the first portion of produce offered or harvested, an initial period, or a preeminent segment within a series.

Etymology From the root רֹאשׁ (rōʾsh), meaning 'head,' 'top,' or 'chief.' רֵאשִׁית is a feminine noun derived from this root and typically expresses 'first' or 'beginning' as a state or period. Though cognate to רֹאשׁ in form and meaning, רֵאשִׁית most often emphasizes the initiating phase or the foremost portion, whereas רֹאשׁ primarily emphasizes 'head' or 'chief' as status or position.
Language Word Meaning Segmentation Root
Yoruba Ìbẹ̀rẹ̀ the beginning