Pronunciation

/ˈɜːrli/

Definitions

• Adjective: Occurring or happening before the usual or expected time; not late. For example: “She woke up early this morning.”
• Adverb: At or during the beginning of a period of time, or before the usual or expected time. For example: “The train leaves early tomorrow.”

As an Adjective

• Describing something that happens before others or sooner than expected. Example: “He arrived early for the meeting.”
• Referring to a point in time before the normal or expected time. Example: “In the early hours of the morning, it’s still dark outside.”

As an Adverb

• Modifying a verb to indicate the action was done before the usual time. Example: “She started her homework early so she could go to bed on time.”

Phrases

• “Early bird” - A person who rises early, often used to describe someone who takes advantage of opportunities by acting promptly.
• “Catch someone off guard” - Surprise or take unawares, usually by doing something earlier than expected. Example: “They caught their opponents off guard with an early goal.”
• “Get an early start” - Begin an activity before the usual or expected time. Example: “We decided to get an early start on our road trip.”

Example Sentences

• Adjective: “The early morning sun illuminated the dewy grass.”
• Adverb: “I prefer to finish my work early so I can have some leisure time.”

Synonyms

• Ahead of schedule
• Prematurely
• Promptly
• Beforehand
• In advance
• Ahead of time
• Prior
• Anticipatory
• Foremost
• Formerly (in the sense of ’earlier')