English Reference
adjective · adverb · noun

early

adj. · adv. · n.
US /ˈɝɫi/ UK /ˈɜːli/ ear·ly

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    adj.happening near the start of a period of time, a process, or a series.

    adj.occurring near the beginning of a period of time, a development, or a sequence.

    Simple

    The early chapters of the book explain the history of the city.

    In context

    Early results from the clinical trial suggest that the new medication is effective, though further long-term study is required.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    adj.happening or arriving before the usual or planned time.

    adj.occurring or arriving in advance of the customary or scheduled time.

    Simple

    I was early for my appointment, so I waited in the café.

    In context

    The project reached completion an early stage, allowing the team to conduct additional quality assurance tests before the official launch.

  3. 03 A1 Beginner

    adj.happening in the first few hours of the day.

    adj.occurring during the initial hours of the day, typically around sunrise.

    Simple

    I like to go for an early walk while the streets are quiet.

    In context

    The early flight to Brussels requires us to be at the airport by four in the morning.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    adj.used to describe a star that is much hotter than our sun.

    adj.denoting a star or class of stars that is hotter than the sun, typically belonging to the O, B, or A spectral types.

    Simple

    Astronomers study early stars to understand how the universe began.

    In context

    The classification of an early-type star is based on its high surface temperature and specific spectral lines.

  5. 05 A1 Beginner

    adv.at a time before the usual or planned time.

    adv.at a point in time prior to that which is expected, scheduled, or usual.

    Simple

    The guests arrived early, so the food wasn't ready yet.

    In context

    If we finish the report early, we can submit it before the weekend and avoid the Monday morning rush.

    Usage

    Typically placed at the end of a clause or after the verb.

    ahead of time
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.a work period that starts very early in the morning.

    n.a scheduled period of work occurring in the early morning hours.

    Simple

    I'm tired because I've been on the early all week.

    In context

    The nursing staff rotates between the early, the late, and the night shift to ensure twenty-four-hour coverage.

    morning shift

Usage early hours · early days · early years

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated