This is the 582nd most frequent Russian word.
первым
"Первым" means "first" (in the instrumental case).
Here, 'первым' means 'first' in the sense of being ahead of everyone else in sequence or order.
Я пришёл первым.
I arrived first.
In this instance, 'первым' indicates doing an action as a leader or initiator, before others.
Он показал пример первым.
He set an example first.
Here, 'первым' conveys the concept of holding the foremost position, often symbolizing significance or leadership.