adj.
Function: adjective
1 of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning of a period of time, a development, or a series FF1C; early Renaissance FF1E; FF1C; early art forms FF1E;
Synonyms: primitive, primordial
Related Words: 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 FF1C; an early death FF1E; FF1C; an early peach FF1E;
Synonyms: overearly, oversoon, premature, previous, ||soon, untimely; compare PRECOCIOUS
Related Words: anticipative, anticipatory, precipitant, precocious; unanticipated, unexpected
Contrasted Words: slow, tardy; anticipated, expected
Antonyms: late