English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word earlier in English

What does earlier mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

earlier

Adjective

1.

happening or done before the usual or expected time.

Example:
•
we ate an early lunch
Synonym:
untimelyprematurebefore timeunseasonableprompttimelyquickspeedyrapidfastexpeditiousrathe
Synonym:
overdue
2.

happening, belonging to, or done near the beginning of a particular time or period.

Example:
•
an early goal secured victory
Synonym:
advanceforwardpriorinitialpreliminaryfirstprimarypilottesttrial
Synonym:
late

Adverb

1.

before the usual or expected time.

Example:
•
I was planning to finish work early today
Synonym:
prematurelyahead of timeahead of schedulein good timebetimes
2.

near the beginning of a particular time or period.

Example:
•
we lost a couple of games early in the season
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