early JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/ˈɜː.li/ · e·ar·ly
noun
- A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place early in the day. The early shift starts at 6 AM.
adjective
- At a time in advance of the usual or expected event. At eleven, we went for an early lunch; she began reading at an early age; his mother suffered an early death
- Arriving a time before expected; sooner than on time. The early guests sipped their punch and avoided each other's eyes
- Near the start or beginning. Early results showed their winning 245 out of 300 seats in parliament. The main opponent locked up only 31 seats
adverb
- At a time before expected; sooner than usual. We finished the project an hour sooner than scheduled, so we left early
- Soon; in good time; seasonably. The crops will be ready early this year.
Did you know? The phrase 'early bird gets the worm' is a common idiom that originated in the 17th century, suggesting that those who take action early in life or in a situation are more likely to achieve success.