earliest (A2)

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɜːr.li.ɪst/

Definition

Coming or happening before any other in time, or before other considered things.

Examples

• The earliest known human ancestor walked upright.

• We need to leave at the earliest possible moment to catch our flight.

• This is the earliest record of the species found so far.

How to Use earliest

at the earliest (prepositional phrase)

Not before a specific time. — "We can expect the results at the earliest next week."

earliest possible (collocation)

As soon as is possible. — "She requested the earliest possible delivery date."

Synonyms of earliest

Words with a similar meaning to earliest:

• early
• first
• initial
• original

Antonyms of earliest

Words with the opposite meaning to earliest:

• latest
• latest

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary