earlier

[ˈɜːrliə(r)]

earlier Definition

• 1. comparative of 'early': happening or done before the usual or expected time
• 2. comparative of 'early': near the beginning of a period of time

Using earlier: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "earlier" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I woke up earlier than usual today.

• Example

  The meeting was scheduled for 10am, but it started earlier than that.

• Example

  I had seen the movie earlier, so I knew what was going to happen.

• Example

  We should leave earlier if we want to avoid traffic.

• Example

  I finished my work earlier than expected.

earlier Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for earlier

• beforehand
• previously
• sooner
• in advance
• ahead of time

Antonyms for earlier

• later
• afterwards

Phrases with earlier

• as early as

  used to emphasize that something happens or is true from a very early time

  Example

  As early as the 15th century, people were using this method of transportation.

• the early bird catches the worm

  if you wake up and start work early, you will succeed

  Example

  I always get to the office early because the early bird catches the worm.

• early days

  a period of time at the beginning of something when not much is known about it

  Example

  It's still early days, but I think this project has a lot of potential.

📌

Summary: earlier in Brief

'Earlier' [ˈɜːrliə(r)] is the comparative form of 'early,' meaning before the usual or expected time or near the beginning of a period. It is often used in phrases like 'as early as' and 'early days.' The idiom 'the early bird catches the worm' emphasizes the importance of starting work early.