Early
/ˈɜːrli/
Definitions
2 meaningsHappening or done near the beginning of a period of time, or before the usual or expected time.
/ˈɜːrli/
Happening or done before the usual or expected time.
We arrived early to the airport to avoid any delays.
💡 Simply: Being ahead of schedule! Imagine you're supposed to meet a friend at 2 PM, but you arrive at 1:30 PM. You're there early!
👶 For kids: Happening before the time something is supposed to happen, like getting up before the sun.
More Examples
The early settlers faced many challenges.
How It's Used
"I prefer to wake up early to get a head start on my day."
"The meeting was scheduled for an early afternoon start."
At or near the beginning of a period of time or before the usual or expected time.
/ˈɜːrli/
Before the usual or expected time.
She arrived early for the concert.
💡 Simply: Doing something sooner than expected. If you finish your homework before dinner, you did it early!
👶 For kids: Happening before the time something is supposed to happen, like getting up before the sun.
More Examples
He finished the project early.
How It's Used
"I usually get up early on weekends."
"The project was completed early."
Idioms & expressions
early bird
A person who wakes up and gets up early in the morning.
"The early bird catches the worm."
early days
The initial or beginning stage of a project, situation, or relationship.
"In the early days of the internet, connecting was a challenge."
From Old English *ær* ('soon, early') derived from Proto-Germanic *airiz-, related to *airaz ('before, sooner').
Historically, 'early' has always referred to a point in time prior to a set reference point. Its use in various contexts, from religious events to the development of scientific understanding, reflects an essential human need to mark timelines.
Memory tip
Think of the 'ear'liest birds catching the worms.