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early

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The definition of early is near the beginning, or belonging to a previous time.

(adjective)

An example of early is the first act of a five act performance; an early act.
An example of early is prehistoric humans; early humans.

Early is defined as before the expected time, or soon after the start.

(adverb)

An example of early is showing up to a dinner party fifteen minutes before it starts.

See early in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adverb, adjective earlier, earliest

near the beginning of a given period of time or of a series, as of events; soon after the start
before the expected or customary time
in the far distant past; in ancient or remote times
in the near future; before much time has passed

Origin: ME erli < OE ærlic, adv. (> ærlic, adj.) < ær, before (see ere) + -lice, adv. suffix (see -ly, like)

Related Forms:

earliness noun

Early, Jubal Anderson 1816-94; Confederate general in the Civil War

See early in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective ear·li·er, ear·li·est

Of or occurring near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events: in the early morning; scored two runs in the early innings.
a. Of or belonging to a previous or remote period of time: the early inhabitants of the British Isles.
b. Of or belonging to an initial stage of development: an early form of life; an early computer.
Occurring, developing, or appearing before the expected or usual time: an early spring; an early retirement.
Maturing or developing relatively soon: an early variety of tomato.
Occurring in the near future: Observers predicted an early end to the negotiations.

adverb ear·lier, ear·liest

a. Near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events: departed early in the day; scored important victories early in the campaign.
b. At or near the beginning of the morning: She never used to get up so early.
At or during a remote or initial period: decided very early to go into medicine.
Before the expected or usual time: arrived at the meeting a few minutes early.
Soon in relation to others of its kind: a rose that was cultivated to bloom early.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English erli

Origin: , from Old English ǣrlīce

Origin: : ǣr, before; see ayer- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + -līce, adv. suff.; see -ly²

Related Forms:

earˈli·ness noun

American Confederate general whose forces threatened Washington, D.C. (1864) but were ultimately defeated by Union troops led by Philip H. Sheridan (1865).

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