early (A1)

adverb, adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɜːli/

Definition

Happening or done before the usual or expected time.

Examples

• It was too early to call him.

• She arrived early for the meeting.

• The early bird catches the worm.

How to Use early

early on (prepositional phrase)

At or near the beginning of a process or period of time. — "She showed talent for music early on."

early bird (collocation)

A person who gets up or arrives early. — "He's an early bird; he's always up by 5 AM."

Synonyms of early

Words with a similar meaning to early:

• soon
• prompt
• timely
• preliminary

Antonyms of early

Words with the opposite meaning to early:

• late
• delayed

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