early

Definition

At a time in advance of the usual or expected event.

Etymology

From Middle English erly, erlich, earlich, from Old English ǣrlīċ (“early”, adjective), equivalent to ere + -ly.

Example Sentences

• "at eleven, we went for an early lunch; she began reading at an early age; his mother suffered an early death"
• "Floods in northern India, mostly in the small state of Uttarakhand, have wrought disaster on an enormous scale. The early, intense onset of the monsoon on June 14th swelled rivers, washing away roads, bridges, hotels and even whole villages. Rock-filled torrents smashed vehicles and homes, burying victims under rubble and sludge."
• "You're early today! I don't usually see you before nine o'clock."

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