early

¹ear·ly

adv \ˈər-lē\

ear·li·erear·li·est

Definition of EARLY

1

a : near the beginning of a period of time <awoke early in the morning> b : near the beginning of a course, process, or series <early in his senatorial career>

2

a : before the usual or expected time <the train arrived early> b archaic : soon c : sooner than related forms <these apples bear early>

Examples of EARLY

1. Early in his career he moved to the city.
2. a word first recorded early in the 17th century
3. They were trailing by a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
4. The package should be arriving early next week.
5. She arrived early to help with the preparations.
6. I got up early to finish packing.

Origin of EARLY

Middle English erly, from Old English ǣrlīce, from ǣr early, soon — more at ere

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to EARLY

Synonyms: beforehand, inopportunely, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably

Antonyms: belatedly, late, tardily

Related Words: immediately, instantly, presently, promptly, pronto, punctually; apropos, betimes, seasonably

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Rhymes with EARLY

burley, burly, curly, girlie, hurly, knurly, pearly, surly, swirly, twirly, whirly