English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word early in English

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

early

US /ˈɝː.li/
UK /ˈɜː.li/
"early" picture

Adjective

1.

happening or done before the usual or expected time

Example:
•
She arrived early for the meeting.
•
We had an early dinner tonight.
Antonym:
late
2.

near the beginning of a period of time or a process

Example:
•
In the early stages of the project, we faced many challenges.
•
The early morning mist covered the fields.
Synonym:
initial beginning nascent

Adverb

1.

before the usual or expected time

Example:
•
The train arrived early.
•
She woke up early to catch the sunrise.
Antonym:
late
2.

near the beginning of a period of time or a process

Example:
•
He started his career early in life.
•
The symptoms appeared early in the disease.
Synonym:
initially at first
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Related Word:
early to bed, and early to rise early ripe, early rotten early adopter early music early bird bright and early early childhood education