earliest
adj. A2 Elementary US //ˈɝɫiəst// UK //ˈɜːlɪəst// ear·li·est
adj. happening at the very beginning of a period of time. You use it to talk about the first possible moment or the oldest version of something.
adj. occurring at the beginning of a sequence or period; the superlative form of 'early'. Often used to indicate the first available opportunity or the most ancient instance of a category.
The earliest train leaves at five in the morning.
Archaeologists recently discovered the earliest known examples of writing in this region, dating back five thousand years.
While the earliest drafts of the manuscript show a much darker tone, the final published version focuses on the protagonist's eventual redemption and hope.
Usage
Superlative adjective; typically precedes the noun it modifies or follows a linking verb.