early
/ˈɜː.li/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Happening or existing near the beginning of a period of time. It can also mean before the usual time.
- We had an early breakfast.
- The train was early today.
- She came to work early.
adverb
Before the expected time or before most other things happen. It often describes doing something soon after a time starts.
- Please arrive early.
- I woke up very early.
- The meeting ended early.
Adinary Nuance
Early means “before the usual or expected time,” while soon means “not long after now.” Use early for time that comes before a schedule, deadline, or normal hour. Use premature only in more formal writing when something happens too soon and may be unwanted.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sớm
- Spanish
- temprano
- Chinese
- 早
- Japanese
- 早い
- Korean
- 일찍
Etymology
Early comes from Old English eorlīc and related Germanic forms meaning “soon” or “before long.” Its modern use developed in English by the Middle English period.
Common phrases
early morningearly daysearly onas early as
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is early an adjective or an adverb?
- It can be both. Use it before a noun as an adjective, and with a verb as an adverb.
- What is the difference between early and soon?
- Early means before the usual time. Soon means after a short time from now.
- Can I say 'I came early' in spoken English?
- Yes. It is very common in both spoken and written English.
- Is early formal or informal?
- It is neutral. You can use it in everyday speech, business writing, and academic writing.