part of speech: adverb
inflections: earlier, earliest
definition 1: in the first part of something; near the beginning of something.
- To be back by noon, we should start our hike early in the morning.
antonyms: late, latter
definition 2: before the usual or expected time.
- She arrived early to school, so she had time to clean out her locker before class.
synonyms: ahead, beforehand, in advance
antonyms: late
part of speech: adjective
inflections: earlier, earliest
definition 1: of or happening in the first part of.
- Crocuses appear in early spring.
antonyms: late
definition 2: before the usual or expected time.
- We had an early dinner on Sunday.
antonyms: late
derivations: earlier (adj.), earliest (adj.), earlier (adv.)