early
/ˈɜː.li/
This term functions as both an adjective and an adverb, allowing it to describe either a noun or the timing of an action without changing its form. It typically refers to a relative point in time rather than an absolute one, meaning what is considered early depends entirely on the established expectation or the specific timeframe being discussed. In a temporal sequence, it distinguishes the initial phases of a process from the later or concluding stages. This duality allows the word to shift from describing a punctual arrival to describing the chronological origin of a historical era or a biological development.
💬Casual Conversation
David is on a warpath. You should head out early.
I wish, but I'm bogged down with these mockups.
Meanings
Examples
She arrived early for the interview to calm her nerves.
Collocations & Compounds
early bird
a person who gets up or arrives early
She is an early bird who starts work at 6 AM.
early warning
a signal that something bad is about to happen
The radar gave an early warning of the approaching storm.
early retirement
stopping work before the standard age
He took early retirement to travel the world.
early stages
the beginning period of a process
The project is still in its early stages of development.
early onset
appearing at an unusually young age
The patient showed signs of early onset dementia.
Idioms & Sayings
the early bird catches the worm
success comes to those who prepare or act first
I submitted my application in January because the early bird catches the worm.
early to bed, early to rise
a habit leading to health and wealth
My grandfather always said early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Etymology
The word 'early' comes from the Old English word 'ǣrle', meaning 'before the usual time'. It is related to the Proto-Germanic word 'aRla', which also signified 'before'. Over centuries, it evolved through Middle English as 'erly' and eventually became the modern 'early'. Its core meaning has consistently referred to something happening or done at the beginning of a period or before the expected time.