early

²early

adj

ear·li·erear·li·est

Definition of EARLY

1

a : of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning of a period of time, a development, or a series <in the early evening> <the early symptoms of the disease> b (1) : distant in past time (2) : primitive <early tools>

2

a : occurring before the usual or expected time <an early arrival> b : occurring in the near future <at your earliest convenience> c : maturing or producing sooner than related forms <an early peach>

— ear·li·ness noun

Examples of EARLY

1. the early symptoms of the disease
2. The early part of the book is better than the later part.
3. We had an early spring this year.
4. We're early. The show doesn't start for half an hour.
5. I've always been an early riser.

First Known Use of EARLY

13th century

Related to EARLY

Synonyms: ancient, primal, primeval, primitive, primordial

Antonyms: late

Related Words: budding, embryonic, germinal, infant; aged, age-old, antediluvian, antiquated, antique, dateless, hoary, old, prehistoric (also prehistorical); obsolete, outmoded, out-of-date, passé

Near Antonyms: advanced, complex, developed, evolved, high, higher; full-blown, full-fledged, full-scale

see all synonyms and antonyms

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