What does early mean?
Early describes something that happens before the expected, usual, or appointed time, or that belongs to the opening phase of a period, sequence, or development. It functions both as an adjective, as in "an early train" or "the early chapters," and as an adverb, as in "she woke up early." Its comparative and superlative forms are "earlier" and "earliest." The word carries broadly positive connotations when applied to punctuality or diligence — being early is often read as a sign of eagerness or reliability — though it can also imply prematurity, as in an early frost or an early retirement forced by circumstance. It appears in countless fixed expressions, including "the early bird," "in the early days," and "the early hours." Derived from Old English ǣrlīce, built on ǣr meaning "soon" or "before," early is among the oldest time-related words in the language and remains one of its most frequently used.
Occurring before the expected, usual, or appointed time; belonging to the beginning of a period or sequence.
"We caught an early flight to avoid the crowds."
Comparative "earlier," superlative "earliest."
Before the expected, usual, or appointed time.
"Please arrive early so we can start on schedule."
"The early bird catches the worm" is one of the oldest proverbs in English — but the word "early" itself harks back over a thousand years to Old English ǣrlīce, meaning "at an earlier time."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of early
Early descends from Old English ǣrlīce, an adverb formed from ǣr, meaning "soon" or "before." The same root survives in the archaic conjunction and preposition "ere," which likewise means "before." The word has been in continuous use throughout the history of English, gradually taking on adjectival as well as adverbial function. Cognate forms appear in other Germanic languages, reflecting a shared Proto-Germanic root related to the notion of earliness or precedence in time.
Related word forms
How early is actually used
Both adjective and adverb share the same form; comparatives and superlatives are "earlier" and "earliest." In formal writing, "early on" is common for "at an initial stage." No significant regional variation between British and American English.
Easily confused with early
An earl is a British nobleman ranking above a viscount, while early means before the usual or expected time.