I. adverb
1.
at or nearly at the beginning of a period, course, process, or series
it is much too early to guess the outcome
Synonyms: betimes, seasonably, soon, timely
Related Word: first
2.
in advance of the expected or usual time
these apples bear early and heavy
Synonyms: betimes, oversoon, prematurely
Related Word: beforehand
Idioms: ahead of time, bright and early
II. adjective
1.
of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning of a period of time, a development, or a series
early Renaissance
early art forms
Synonyms: primitive, primordial
Related Word: original, pristine; ancient, antediluvian, antiquated, primal, primeval; antecedent, preceding, prevenient, prior
Contrasted words: conclusive, final, last, terminal, ultimate; eventual; intermediate, middle, midmost
Antonyms: late
2.
occurring before the expected or usual time
an early death
an early peach
Synonyms: overearly, oversoon, premature, previous, ||soon, untimely; compare precocious
Related Word: anticipative, anticipatory, precipitant, precocious; unanticipated, unexpected
Contrasted words: slow, tardy; anticipated, expected
Antonyms: late