Earliest — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb adjective phrase noun /ˈər-lē/ (adverb) /ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē/ (noun) ear·ly

Meaning & Definition of Earliest

Earliest (adverb)

  1. near the beginning of a period of time
  2. near the beginning of a course, process, or series
  3. before the usual or expected time

Earliest (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning of a period of time, a development, or a series
  2. distant in past time
  3. primitive

Earliest (phrase)

  1. as soon as it is possible for someone to do something
  2. —used to indicate the earliest possible time when something will happen or be done

Earliest (noun)

  1. a favorable juncture of circumstances
  2. a good chance for advancement or progress

Earliest (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. coming before all others in time or order

    "the earliest computers were massive machines that practically filled up a room"

    similar: first, foremost, headmost, inaugural, initial, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer, premier, virgin
    related: ancient, early, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive, primordial, antecedent, preceding, previous
    opposite: final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating, ultimate
    near: advanced, late, consequent, ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding, penultimate

Related Entry: Early (adjective)

Early is a different word from Earliest. The synonyms below are for early, not for earliest.

  1. relating to or occurring near the beginning of a process, series, or time period

    "early birds of the Jurassic period"

    similar: ancient, primal, primeval, primitive, primordial
    related: budding, embryonic, germinal, infant, aged, age-old, antediluvian, antiquated, antique, dateless, hoary, old, prehistoric, obsolete, outmoded, out-of-date, passé
    opposite: late
    near: advanced, complex, developed, evolved, high, higher, full-blown, full-fledged, full-scale

  2. occurring before the usual or expected time

    "we had an early dinner so as not to miss the concert"

    similar: inopportune, precocious, premature, unseasonable, untimely
    related: unanticipated, unexpected, unforeseen, unlooked-for, abrupt, sudden
    opposite: late
    near: behindhand, belated, delinquent, latish, overdue, slow, tardy, anticipated, expected, delayed, detained, postponed

Related Entry: Early (adverb)

Early is a different word from Earliest. The synonyms below are for early, not for earliest.

  1. before the usual or expected time

    "that year spring arrived early"

    similar: beforehand, inopportunely, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably
    related: immediately, instantly, presently, promptly, pronto, punctually, apropos, betimes, seasonably
    opposite: belatedly, late, tardily

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Earliest

The most common words with a similar meaning to Earliest:

first, foremost, headmost, inaugural, initial, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer, premier, virgin

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Earliest

Words with the opposite meaning of Earliest:

final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating, ultimate

Related Words for Earliest

ancient, early, primal, primary, prime, primeval, primitive, primordial, antecedent, preceding, previous

Near Antonyms of Earliest

advanced, late, consequent, ensuing, following, subsequent, succeeding, penultimate

Word Forms of Earliest

Inflections: earlier, opportunities

Derived words: earliness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Earliest

Middle English erly, from Old English ǣrlīce, from ǣr early, soon ere

First known use: 13th century

Words & Phrases Containing Earliest

at someone's earliest opportunity, at the earliest

Frequently Asked Questions about Earliest

What does "Earliest" mean?

"Earliest" means near the beginning of a period of time. As an an adverb, an adjective, a phrase and a noun, it is defined as: near the beginning of a period of time.

What is another word for "Earliest"?

Other words for "Earliest" include first, foremost, headmost, inaugural, initial, leadoff, maiden and original. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Earliest" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Earliest"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Earliest". Common alternatives include first, foremost, headmost, inaugural, initial, leadoff, maiden, original, pioneer and premier.

What is the opposite of "Earliest"?

Antonyms of "Earliest" include final, last, latest, latter, terminal, terminating and ultimate. Near antonyms include advanced, late, consequent and ensuing.

How do you use "Earliest" in a sentence?

Examples of "Earliest" in a sentence: "the earliest computers were massive machines that practically filled up a room".

Is "Earliest" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Earliest" can be used as an adverb, an adjective, a phrase and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Earliest"?

"Earliest" is pronounced /ˈər-lē/ as an adverb and /ˌä-pər-ˈtü-nə-tē/ as a noun and divided into syllables as ear·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Earliest"?

"Earliest" comes from Middle English erly, from Old English ǣrlīce, from ǣr early, soon ere. First known use: 13th century.