Early — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb adjective /ˈər-lē/ ear·ly

Meaning & Definition of Early

Early (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

Early (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

Early (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  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infant, aged, age-old, antediluvian, antiquated, antique, dateless, hoary, old, prehistoric, obsolete, outmoded, out-of-date, passé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

Early (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  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 Early

The most common words with a similar meaning to Early:

ancient, primal, primeval, primitive, primordial, inopportune, precocious, premature, unseasonable, untimely, beforehand, inopportunely, precociously, prematurely, unseasonably

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Early

Words with the opposite meaning of Early:

late, belatedly, tardily

Related Words for Early

budding, embryonic, germinal, infant, aged, age-old, antediluvian, antiquated, antique, dateless, hoary, old, prehistoric, obsolete, outmoded, out-of-date, passé, unanticipated, unexpected, unforeseen, unlooked-for, abrupt, sudden, immediately, instantly, presently, promptly, pronto, punctually, apropos

Near Antonyms of Early

advanced, complex, developed, evolved, high, higher, full-blown, full-fledged, full-scale, behindhand, belated, delinquent, latish, overdue, slow, tardy, anticipated, expected, delayed, detained, postponed

Word Forms of Early

Inflections: earlier, earliest

Derived words: earliness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Early

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

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Early

Words & Phrases Containing Early

Early American, early bird, early on, early day, early days (yet), early in life, at/from an early age

Frequently Asked Questions about Early

What does "Early" mean?

"Early" means near the beginning of a period of time. As an an adverb and an adjective, it is defined as: near the beginning of a period of time. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Early"?

Other words for "Early" include ancient, primal, primeval, primitive, primordial, inopportune, precocious and premature. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Early" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Early"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Early". Common alternatives include ancient, primal, primeval, primitive, primordial, inopportune, precocious, premature, unseasonable and untimely.

What is the opposite of "Early"?

Antonyms of "Early" include late, belatedly and tardily. Near antonyms include advanced, complex, developed and evolved.

How do you use "Early" in a sentence?

Examples of "Early" in a sentence: "early birds of the Jurassic period"; "we had an early dinner so as not to miss the concert"; "that year spring arrived early".

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

"Early" can be used as an adverb and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Early" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Early" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Early"?

"Early" is pronounced /ˈər-lē/ and divided into syllables as ear·ly.