early

early is on the Basic English 850 List.

ear - early - earth

early is one of the 1000 most common headwords.

each - early - east

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈɜːli/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈɝli/

• Audio (US)

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• Audio (UK)

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Adjective

Positive early

Comparative earlier

Superlative earliest

1. If something is early, it is sooner than expected.
   • Synonym: premature
   • Antonym: late

   It was an early end to the meeting.

2. If something is early, it happens in the first part of a time period.
   • Antonym: late

   He didn't like going to the early classes.

Adverb

Positive early

Comparative earlier

Superlative earliest

1. Sooner than expected.
   • Synonym: premature
   • Antonym: late

   He was at the meeting early.

2. During the first part of a time period.
   • Antonym: late

   She got up early in the morning.