earlier (A1)

adverb, adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɜːr.li.ər/

Definition

Coming or happening before the normal or expected time.

Examples

• She called me earlier today to confirm the details.

• We need to leave earlier than usual to avoid the traffic.

• The earlier version of the software had fewer features.

How to Use earlier

earlier than (prepositional phrase)

Before a specific time or event. — "We arrived earlier than we expected."

earlier today (collocation)

During the morning or earlier part of the current day. — "I saw him earlier today at the coffee shop."

earlier this week (collocation)

During the current week, before the present time. — "She mentioned the project earlier this week."

Synonyms of earlier

Words with a similar meaning to earlier:

• sooner
• before
• prior
• former

Antonyms of earlier

Words with the opposite meaning to earlier:

• later
• subsequently

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