adjective / adverb
early
Near the beginning or before the usual or expected time.
She takes an early train to avoid the morning rush.
Etymology
The word combines an older term for before or soon with an adverbial ending. It locates something toward the beginning of a period or ahead of an expected time.
More examples
- Please arrive early so we can find seats.
- In the early stages, the project needs careful planning.
- The store closes earlier on Sundays.
Forms
early · earlier · earliest
earliness noun — The state of being early.