Early

/ˈɜː.li/

The meaning and definition of Early, with examples, synonyms, and a word game to make it stick.

Definition

adjective
  1. At a time in advance of the usual or expected event.
    β€œat eleven, we went for an early lunch;Β  she began reading at an early age;Β  his mother suffered an early death”
  2. Arriving a time before expected; sooner than on time.
    β€œThe early guests sipped their punch and avoided each other's eyes.”
adverb
  1. At a time before expected; sooner than usual.
    β€œWe finished the project an hour sooner than scheduled, so we left early.”
  2. Soon; in good time; seasonably.

Definitions from the Free Dictionary API

Synonyms first premature prematurely
Antonyms late terminal tardily

Origin

From Middle English erly.

Source: Etymological Wordnet (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Related words

first

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