earliest
/ˈɜːrliɪst/
ADJECTIVE
1. Occurring before all others in time or order
Happening, existing, or taking place before any other event, period, or item in a chronological or sequential order; the superlative form of early.
1.1. Chronological priority and precedence
Describes an event, occurrence, record, or period that comes before all others in time or is the first in a historical sequence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The earliest records of human settlement in the region date back thousands of years.
- This is the earliest known version of the manuscript.
- Researchers examined the earliest stages of the civilization's development.
Related Words
- chronology
- precedence
- sequence
- origin
- beginning
- inception
- commencement
- history
- timeline
- priority
1.2. Beginning and initial stages of development
Describes the most preliminary or undeveloped stage of something, particularly an idea, process, organism, project, or historical development.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- advanced
- mature
- developed
- established
- fully formed
- sophisticated
Examples
- The earliest ideas for the invention were still rudimentary and required considerable refinement.
- Scientists investigated the earliest forms of life on Earth.
- The project was still in its earliest stages when the funding was approved.
Related Words
- emergence
- genesis
- germination
- evolution
- growth
- formation
- inception
- development
- origination
- foundation
ADJECTIVE
2. Happening at the first or most advanced point in a period
Taking place at the beginning of a particular period or before any other expected or scheduled time.
2.1. Scheduling and availability
Refers to the first possible or available time for an appointment, activity, event, or scheduled arrangement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- Please let me know the earliest appointment available next week.
- The earliest departure from the airport is scheduled for six in the morning.
- We selected the earliest possible date for the conference.
Related Words
- availability
- appointment
- schedule
- timetable
- deadline
- booking
- reservation
- timing
- priority
2.2. Early periods of the day or year
Describes the time closest to the beginning of a recurring period, such as a day, season, month, or year.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The earliest hours of the morning are usually the quietest.
- The earliest days of spring brought warmer temperatures to the region.
Related Words
ADVERB
3. At the first possible or previous point in time
At or during the earliest point in a period or sequence, especially when referring to the first occurrence of an action or event.
3.1. First occurrence and chronological sequence
Indicates that an action or event occurred before all others in a sequence or at the beginning of a particular period.
Synonyms
- first
- initially
- originally
- before all others
- at the outset
- in the beginning
Antonyms
- last
- finally
- ultimately
- eventually
- subsequently
Examples
- Of all the applicants, she arrived earliest.
- The earliest documented examples appeared in ancient manuscripts.
- Among the competing proposals, this one was submitted earliest.
Related Words
- sequence
- chronology
- precedence
- priority
- beginning
- inception
- origin
- outset
3.2. As soon as possible
Indicates that something should happen at the first available opportunity or without unnecessary delay.
Synonyms
- as soon as possible
- at the earliest opportunity
- promptly
- immediately
- without delay
- at the first opportunity
Antonyms
- later
- eventually
- belatedly
- afterward
- subsequently
Examples
- Please submit the completed application at the earliest.
- We hope to resolve the issue at the earliest opportunity.
- The replacement equipment should arrive at the earliest possible time.
Related Words
- urgency
- promptness
- readiness
- availability
- immediacy
- expediency
- timeliness