OpenSynonym

early

/ˈɜːrli/

ADJECTIVE

1. Occurring before the usual or expected time

Happening, taking place, or being done before the time that is usual, scheduled, or expected.

1.1. Scheduling and events

Describes an event, activity, appointment, or occurrence that takes place before its scheduled or normally expected time.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The company announced an early release of its new product.
  • We received an early invitation to the annual conference.
  • The early delivery allowed us to complete the project ahead of schedule.

Related Words

  • schedule
  • appointment
  • advance planning
  • anticipation
  • preparation
  • timing
  • deadline
  • expectation

1.2. Punctuality and arriving ahead of schedule

Describes someone or something arriving or becoming available before the expected time, often with sufficient time to spare.

Synonyms

  • prompt
  • punctual
  • timely
  • ahead of time
  • in good time
  • with time to spare
  • bright and early

Antonyms

Examples

  • She made an early arrival at the airport to avoid any last-minute problems.
  • The guests were early for the wedding ceremony.
  • He completed the assignment early and submitted it before the deadline.

Related Words

  • arrival
  • punctuality
  • promptness
  • readiness
  • timekeeping
  • reliability
  • preparedness

ADJECTIVE

2. Near the beginning of a period or sequence

Situated, occurring, or belonging near the beginning of a particular period, sequence, historical era, or process.

2.1. Chronological order and historical periods

Describes something belonging to or occurring near the beginning of a historical period, chronological sequence, or series of events.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • Early civilizations developed sophisticated systems of agriculture and trade.
  • The researchers discovered an early version of the ancient manuscript.
  • The early years of the industrial revolution transformed society.

Related Words

2.2. Initial stages of development

Describes something that has only recently begun to develop, emerge, or take shape and has not yet reached an advanced or mature stage.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The company is still in its early stages of development.
  • Scientists are studying the early formation of the embryo.
  • The early signs of economic recovery encouraged investors.
  • The project began as an early idea before developing into a successful business.

Related Words

2.3. Young age and early life

Describes a person, animal, or living organism that is young or at an early stage of life and development.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The young athlete demonstrated remarkable talent from an early age.
  • Early childhood is an important period for language development.
  • The early inhabitants of the island depended on fishing and farming.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

3. Taking place in the morning or at the beginning of the day

Occurring during the first part of the day, particularly in the morning or shortly after sunrise.

3.1. Morning hours and daily activities

Describes activities, events, or conditions occurring during the morning, especially during the first hours after sunrise.

Synonyms

  • morning
  • matinal
  • bright and early
  • first-light

Antonyms

Examples

  • We went for an early morning walk along the beach.
  • The early sunlight illuminated the mountains.
  • She enjoys drinking coffee during the early hours of the day.

Related Words

ADVERB

4. At a time before expected or usual

Before the expected or usual time; sooner than anticipated or earlier than is customary.

4.1. Actions completed ahead of schedule

Indicates that an action or activity happens or is completed before the expected, scheduled, or usual time.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • He woke up early to catch the sunrise at the beach.
  • She completed her work early and decided to take a leisurely afternoon stroll.
  • The team finished the project early and submitted it ahead of schedule.

Related Words

4.2. Soon and at an appropriate time

Indicates that something happens soon enough or at a suitable time, without unnecessary delay.

Synonyms

  • soon
  • shortly
  • seasonably
  • timely
  • betimes
  • promptly

Antonyms

Examples

  • The flowers bloomed early this year because of the unusually warm weather.
  • The new regulations will take effect earlier than originally anticipated.
  • We arrived early enough to find good seats before the performance began.

Related Words

NOUN

5. A scheduled morning work shift

A work period or shift that takes place during the early part of the day, usually beginning in the morning.

5.1. Employment and work schedules

Refers to a morning work shift or scheduled period of employment that begins early in the day.

Synonyms

  • early shift
  • morning shift
  • day shift

Antonyms

  • night shift
  • late shift
  • evening shift

Examples

  • I have the early tomorrow, so I need to go to bed before midnight.
  • She prefers working the early because it leaves her afternoons free.

Related Words

  • work schedule
  • shift work
  • morning duty
  • workday
  • employee
  • roster
  • 勤務