Dictionary entries for 'earlier'

Synonyms

ear·ly (ûŕlē)

[Middle English erli, from Old English ǣrlīce, ǣr, before, + -līce, adv. suff.; see –ly².]

adjective: -li·er, -li·est.

Of or occurring near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events: in the early morning; scored two runs in the early innings.
1. Of or belonging to a previous or remote period of time: the early inhabitants of the British Isles.
2. Of or belonging to an initial stage of development: an early form of life; an early computer.
Occurring, developing, or appearing before the expected or usual time: an early spring; an early retirement.
Maturing or developing relatively soon: an early variety of tomato.
Occurring in the near future: Observers predicted an early end to the negotiations.

1. Near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events: departed early in the day; scored important victories early in the campaign.
2. At or near the beginning of the morning: She never used to get up so early.
At or during a remote or initial period: decided very early to go into medicine.
Before the expected or usual time: arrived at the meeting a few minutes early.
Soon in relation to others of its kind: a rose that was cultivated to bloom early.

early on: At an early stage or point: “Early on, found that being honest and being funny were almost the same thing” (Maureen Orth)