earlier
- 01 A2 Elementary
adv.at a time before the present or before the time you are talking about.
adv.at a point in time preceding the current moment or a specified reference point.
Simple“I mentioned that problem to you earlier today.”
In context“As we discussed earlier in the semester, the final grade will be determined by both the exam and the research project.”
Usageoften used with 'today', 'this morning', or 'this week' to refer to a past moment in the same period.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 A2 Elementary
adv.sooner than the usual time or sooner than a time already mentioned.
adv.at a time before the expected, usual, or previously arranged time.
Simple“The train arrived ten minutes earlier than the schedule said.”
In context“The harvest began significantly earlier this year due to an unseasonably warm spring and consistent rainfall.”
Usagefrequently used in comparisons with 'than'.
- 03 B1 Intermediate
adj.happening or existing before something else.
adj.occurring or existing at a point in time before the present or before a specified event.
Simple“In an earlier chapter, the author explains why the family moved.”
In context“The detective revisited the witness's earlier statement to check for inconsistencies with the new evidence.”
Usageusually placed before a noun.
Antonyms
Usage earlier version · earlier research · earlier work