early

Happening near the beginning of a period of time.

• Flowers appear in early spring.
• His early films were very popular.
• They moved here in the early nineties.

Similar words: initial

Opposites: late

Common phrases: early spring, early childhood, early years

Happening or arriving before the expected or usual time.

• The train is early.
• We had an early finish yesterday.
• Her early arrival surprised everyone.

Similar words: new

Opposites: late

Common phrases: early arrival, early departure, early finish

Happening near the start of the day.

• We had an early breakfast.
• It is too early to call her.
• The early morning streets were quiet.

Opposites: late

Common phrases: early morning, early breakfast, early start

Just starting to develop and not yet fully formed or advanced.

• The project is in its early stages.
• Doctors found early signs of the disease.
• Early treatment can prevent further problems.

Similar words: initial

Opposites: advanced

Common phrases: early stages, early signs, early cancer

Before the time that people expect or usually do something.

• You arrived early.
• We left work early yesterday.
• Can you come ten minutes early?

Similar words: ahead of time

Opposites: late

Common phrases: arrive early, leave early, finish early

Near the beginning of a day, period, or activity.

• I wake up early.
• They scored early in the match.
• He learned to cook early in life.

How to use it: early in + period/activity (She scored early in the game.)

Opposites: late

Common phrases: early in life, early in something, wake up early