I. ˈər-lē adverb
( ear·li·er ; -est )
Etymology: Middle English erly, from Old English ǣrlīce, from ǣr early, soon — more at ere
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : near the beginning of a period of time
awoke early in the morning
b. : near the beginning of a course, process, or series
early in his senatorial career
2.
a. : before the usual or expected time
the train arrived early
b. archaic : soon
c. : sooner than related forms
these apples bear early
II. adjective
( ear·li·er ; -est )
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : of, relating to, or occurring near the beginning of a period of time, a development, or a series
in the early evening
the early symptoms of the disease
b.
(1) : distant in past time
(2) : primitive
early tools
2.
a. : occurring before the usual or expected time
an early arrival
b. : occurring in the near future
at your earliest convenience
c. : maturing or producing sooner than related forms
an early peach
• ear·li·ness noun