early1 adjectiveearly2 adverb
earlyear‧ly1 /ˈɜːli $ ˈɜːrli/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective (comparative earlier, superlative earliest) 
WORD ORIGINearly1
Origin:
Old English ærlice, from ær ‘early, soon’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- early automobiles
- Early detection of cancer improves the chances of survival.
- a man in his early twenties
- By early 1995, the business was close to bankruptcy.
- Hey, you're early! It's only five o'clock.
- If we want to get to Las Vegas by noon, we'll have to make an early start.
- Many of the earliest settlers here were from Sweden.
- the story of her early life in India
- The train was ten minutes early.
- We're planning to go to Barcelona in early September.
- A financial panic ensued, as frantic as the earlier boom.
- Accordingly, the psychiatry of the early twentieth century based its image of sanity on that model.
- At other times, there may be signs of early cancer.
- By the early 1970s, partly preoccupied by family life, Tutin was seen far less in the theatre.
- Or has democracy itself been adapted to accommodate earlier suspicions and hostility?
- Rush and others said early intervention to keep kids out of gangs is just as important as locking up youthful offenders.
- The key similarity for Freud lies in the dominance of unconscious processes both for infants and for early man.
- The records of early years tell little about Negro servitude in tobacco country.
THESAURUS
arriving or happening before the usual or expected time: · For once, the train arrived early.· Let’s have an early lunch before we go.
especially British English early enough, so that you do not have to rush, or so that you have time to get ready: · Everything was ready for the party in good time.
arriving somewhere or happening at the right time: · The bus was on time.· The project was finished on time.
earlier than the time when you have arranged to do something or than when you need something: · The building work was completed ahead of time.· Some of the food can be prepared ahead of time.
earlier than the officially agreed time: · The prime minister called the elections early, five months ahead of schedule.
arriving somewhere or finishing something before the time when you have to arrive or finish: · We got to the airport with plenty of time to spare.· I finished the test with time to spare.
especially spoken immediately after you get up, or as soon as you start work: · I’ll telephone her first thing tomorrow.
Longman Language Activatorbefore the usual or expected time if something happens early , it happens before the usual time or the most suitable time; if someone is early , they arrive before the time they are expected to: · I finished work early today.· If you plant the seeds too early they won't grow.· After an early lunch, we started the meeting at one o'clock.· Everyone was deeply shocked by his early death at the age of forty-five.be early (for something) (=arrive early): · You're early - I wasn't expecting you till seven.· I'm sorry, I'm a bit early for my appointment.seven months/three days etc early (=seven months/three days etc earlier than expected): · Our first child was born eight weeks early.
earlier than the time when you have arranged or expect to do something: · We will try to complete the building ahead of time.· Visas must be obtained ahead of time, and it may take several weeks to get them in order.· You can always prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate it.
earlier than the officially agreed time: · Due to the economy's strong recovery, Mexico will repay ahead of schedule the last installment of a $13.5 billion loan.six months/two weeks/a year etc ahead of schedule: · The renovation of the school has just been completed three months ahead of schedule.
early enough, so that you do not have to rush, or so that you have time to get ready: · I like to get all my Christmas presents bought and sent in good time.in good time for: · It is important to arrive in good time for your interview.
if you arrive somewhere or finish something with time to spare , you arrive or finish before the time when you have to arrive or finish: · In spite of the bad traffic, we reached London with plenty of time to spare.with ten minutes/half an hour etc to spare: · I finished the test with just two minutes to spare (=two minutes before the end).
too early · Too much success too early can cause you to grow overconfident.too early to do something · It's still too early to tell if the treatment is going to be effective.too early for · There aren't any raspberries in the stores yet. It's too early for them.far/way too early (=much too early) · We arrived far too early and had to wait outside for an hour.
happening too early after something else, or doing something much earlier than you should: · I don't think you should go back to work too soon after having the baby.too soon to do something: · It's too soon to say what effect the merger will have on the company's 1500 employeestoo soon for: · I knew it was too soon for any likely resolution of the problem.far/way too soon (=much too soon): · You can't get married next week! That's far too soon.· Lendl hit the ball way too soon.
written: untimely death/end much earlier than usual or expected, so that people are surprised by it: · Before his untimely death in 1991, Freddie Mercury was a brilliant singer and performer.meet an untimely end (=die early): · His grandfather had met an untimely end as the result of too much whisky.
happening before the normal or natural time: premature death/birth/ageing: · Alcoholism is one of the major causes of premature death.· It has been proved that sunbathing causes premature ageing of the skin.premature baby (=a baby that is born before the normal time): · Her baby was premature and weighed only 2kg.
informal to do or say something too early, before you know what is going to happen next, so that you risk making a mistake: · I think it would be jumping the gun to sign the agreement at this stage.· Surely it's jumping the gun to buy the ring before you've even asked her to marry you?
British if you say it's early days , you mean that it is still too early in a process or event to know what will happen: · It's still early days, but all the signs are that the operation has been a success.it's early days yet: · "It looks like Liverpool are going to win the championship.'' "Oh I don't know. It's early days yet.''
early in the morning early in the morning: · I always wake up early when the weather's warm.· Early the next day, Jamie received a call from his mother.make an early start (=start an activity or journey early in the morning): · If we make an early start we should avoid the worst of the traffic.in the early hours (=during the first hours of the day, when most people are asleep): · The robbery took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.early bird (=someone who gets up early in the morning): · Jack was always an early bird; he did a lot of his work before dawn.
especially spoken if you do something first thing , you do it immediately after you get up or as soon as you start work: · I'll telephone her first thing, I promise.first thing tomorrow/Wednesday/in the morning etc: · Leave it on my desk and I'll deal with it first thing tomorrow.
informal use this to emphasize that something happens very early in the morning, when most people are still in bed: · My Dad used to get up at the crack of dawn every Sunday to go fishing.
if you get up bright and early , you get up very early in the morning, especially because there is something that you want to do: · Geoffrey was up bright and early on Saturday morning, and had everything packed before breakfast.· Waking bright and early, I went for a swim and took the dog for a walk.
someone who usually gets up early in the morning · He'd been an early riser ever since he was a child.· A few early risers were already sipping their cappuccinos in the bars facing the square.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYnouns
Their troubles began in the mid eighties. Hilda Simpson was a woman in her early eighties. The play was written in the late fifties. He must be in his early fifties by now. He spent several years in Paris in the late forties. The woman was probably in her mid forties. Do you want to knock off early today? The industry received a lot of bad publicity in the early nineties. My grandfather was in his early nineties when he died. He was forced to retire early because of poor health. In the early seventies, Sag Harbor was still a peaceful village. Bill must be in his mid seventies now. the student riots in Paris in the late sixties I’d say she was in her late sixties. It was a cold, sunny day in early spring. We moved to York when I was in my early teens. The family sold the house in the early thirties. She must be in her early thirties by now. Steve turned up late, as usual. The photograph was taken in the late twenties. She was in her early twenties when I met her.
· The lake looked beautiful in the pale early morning light.
· These plants produce flowers from early spring to late summer.
· Italy is lovely in early June, before it gets too hot.
(=the period of time near the beginning of something)· In the early years of our marriage, we lived with my wife’s parents.
(=aged 20–23, 40–43 etc)· Both men are in their early twenties.
(=1920–23, 1970–73 etc)· He lived in London in the early 1980s.
(=when someone is a young child, adolescent etc)· We’ve known each other since early childhood.
(=near the beginning of a process)· Patients can be treated with drugs, especially at the early stage of the disease.
(=near the beginning of an event or period of time)· I was doing quite well in the early part of the race.
(=the first thing you can remember about something from your past)· One of my earliest memories is of being at a busy railway station, trying to find my mum.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· I arrived in Boston in the early afternoon.
· She’d been playing the piano from a very early age.
· Kids can start learning a second language at a young age.
· I don’t think we should arrive early.
· We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.
· Early booking is recommended because places are limited.
· We had an early breakfast and left before 7.30.
· the industrial towns of the early 19th century
(=the ones before this one)· All these have been mentioned briefly in earlier chapters.
· Experiences in early childhood are very important.
(=existing before others, or at the beginning of a period of time)· the early civilizations of Mesopotamia and the East Mediterranean
(=at a young age)· Paul's first marriage ended with the early death of his wife.
(=at an early stage of a disease)· Early diagnosis gives patients the best chance of recovery.
(=written before others)· In earlier drafts of the speech, he criticized the pace of political progress.
Their troubles began in the mid eighties. Hilda Simpson was a woman in her early eighties.· Hopes of an early end to the conflict are fading.
· These amounts are much higher than those given in previous estimates.
(=the early part of the evening)· We met for a drink in the early evening.
The play was written in the late fifties. He must be in his early fifties by now. He spent several years in Paris in the late forties. The woman was probably in her mid forties. (=one that happens before winter)· I hoped the early frost wasn’t a sign of a bad winter to come.
· As with earlier generations of his family, he had been educated at Bootham School, York.
· He had studied ancient Roman history.
· I had just seen him a few hours earlier.
Do you want to knock off early today? (=a lead early in a game, election etc)· Liverpool took an early lead with a goal from Steven Gerrard.
· My earliest memory is of being bitten by a dog.
· As I mentioned earlier, it will cost a lot of money.
(=around age 40)· Two women in early middle age sat next to him.
· A light frost covered the fields in the early morning.
· He has to get up very early in the morning.
· The offer was in the final stages of negotiation.
(=when you go to bed early)· I’m really tired - I need an early night.
The industry received a lot of bad publicity in the early nineties. My grandfather was in his early nineties when he died. (=happening earlier or later than commonly happens – used especially about serious illnesses)· The patient had a family history of early onset Alzheimer's disease.
(=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity.
(=optimism that you feel at the start of a process, especially when it does not continue)· There was initial optimism about a breakthrough in relations between the two countries.
· The school dates from the early part of the nineteenth century.
· Tracey showed early promise in mathematics.
He was forced to retire early because of poor health. (=retire earlier than usual)· He took early retirement in 1990 after 25 years at IBM.
(=before the usual or expected time)· Staff are being asked to consider early retirement.
(=happening quite soon)· The policy has been successful, despite some early setbacks.
In the early seventies, Sag Harbor was still a peaceful village. Bill must be in his mid seventies now. (=be working a particular shift)· She’s on the late shift.
· Nobody wants to do the late shift.
(=a sign near the beginning of something that shows that it is happening, or that it exists)· an early sign of spring
the student riots in Paris in the late sixties I’d say she was in her late sixties. It was a cold, sunny day in early spring.· Sometimes there are problems in the early stages of a project.
· I can’t change my plans at this late stage.
· It was long trip so we had planned an early start.
· He made a flying start at college, but then he didn't manage to keep it up.
· The report is a summary of the work done in earlier studies.
· In the late summer of 1931, Joe returned to Oxford.
We moved to York when I was in my early teens. The family sold the house in the early thirties. She must be in her early thirties by now. Steve turned up late, as usual. The photograph was taken in the late twenties. She was in her early twenties when I met her.· The president vetoed an earlier version of the bill.
· Little is known about his early years.· He remembers the early years of television.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· They were started as early as 1461, and the system is still being extended and improved today.· And this museum, previously named the Museum of Non-Objective Art, was championing abstract art as early as the 1930s.· Considering that closure for Deepcar station came as early as 1959, the lavatory sign has done well to survive.· The redeployment could begin as early as Thursday night.· Other material of wide interest dates from as early as the Saxon period.· A ruling on the temporary restraining order could come as early as Tuesday.· There is usually a waiting list, so places should be booked as early as possible.· Houston also seized the mental high ground for a possible playoff matchup, which could occur as early as the first round.
· And a more leisurely dinner before we get to Winnipeg, instead of having to crowd it in early.· He had come in early, not having been to bed, and placed his information on Coffin's desk.· We went in early October, when river mist - or a fine drizzle - damped everything.· Archie Watson retired in early July after thirty three years' as a weaver.· It was also rent by internal feuds which culminated in early June in the resignation of Martin Loney, the general secretary.· At the moment of writing in early 1991, Kumana, Gol-Oya and Wilpattu are no-go areas owing to guerrilla activity.· Occasionally he will get in early to see the morning shift or stay late for the night shift.· Autumn calving presumes mating in early to mid Winter, the worst possible period for this exercise.
· It's too early for me right now - besides I've got the best job in the world.· Greenspan also said it was too early to judge whether the recent drop in the stock market could cause a recession.· Her baby was born on May 24, but it is too early to know whether little Katya is infected as well.· All the ailments that used to take us too early or too painfully are gone.· The dangers of laying too early or too late are simple.· Yet if you want to ensure a trouble-free retirement, it's never too early to start financial planning.· There ain't many people in there - I suppose cos it's too early for people to have their tea.· Twenty-seven were told that they were too early and to re-apply after the advertisement appeared.
· But this is one of the experiences that taught me very early in my career that I must do the opposite.· And more than that, this global diffusion is only in its very early stages.· Presumably, in the very early universe all the dimensions would have been very curved.· These are still very early days and the options are wide open.· Woolley had the squadron in the air very early.· One must get out into the fields and woods very early to get one's share.· So one has to use a quantum theory of gravity to discuss the very early stages of the universe.· From a very early age, lower-working-class boys engage in rough, exclusively masculine forms of play, free of adult supervision.
NOUN· By early afternoon Leith owned that she was feeling more than a little drained.· I think it was early afternoon.· By early afternoon she had had enough and returned to the barn, desperate for the cool interior and something to eat.· Probably in the early afternoon, when visitors look a whole lot less suspicious.· It was early afternoon of the following day before Karelius found the opportunity to be alone with her.· And for the rest of the morning on into early afternoon, HsingHsing eats cake and bamboo and carrots and gruel.· I arrived at Annat in the early afternoon and was disappointed not to find any offers of refreshment on display.
· Mentally handicapped children should be given the opportunity of mixing with other children from an early age.· Beginning at an early age, children need to begin to move tO independence.· Elves are taught the arts of war from an early age and swiftly master the sword, the bow and the spear.· Rules and orderliness appeal to girls from an early age, and so arithmetic in elementary school comes easily to her.· Fortunately she'd learnt at a very early age never to be taken in by good looks alone.· Spong does not advocate marriage at an early age.· Giles was mad keen on planes from an early age.· As for the politicians, they are almost as brutal as their predecessors of an earlier age.
· In all the cases they'd had a violent experience in earlier childhood.· From early childhood they are schooled not to inflict themselves on others.· When we apply these views to early childhood we begin to have a clearer picture of deaf children's future.· Indeed, the schemata of adulthood have their origins in the schemata of early childhood.· He had loved the magic and mystery of Stonehenge since early childhood.· As said previously, the socialization of behavior is a continuous process that begins in early childhood with simple imitations.· Certainly, no day of their early childhood ever ended without one or both of them being beaten up by some one.· For more information, contact Barbara Griffith, coordinator of early childhood, at 410-222-5441.
· He's got no confidence - and Oliver, even from the earliest days, was always some one who had confidence.· But her recollections of her earlier days were the richest she had.· Canute had done that, in his earliest days, when he mutilated the Saxon hostages confided to him.· In the early days, some who came here were outlaws and others came for the timber.· Performance, however, at least in the early days was misinterpreted.· Simply flying jet fighters in those early days involved high risk.· In these early days Temperance was greeted with cynicism.· In the early days it was seen as bringing a whirlwind of well-paid high-technology jobs to an area of record unemployment.
· It was early evening when Edward got home.· As I approached the veranda, three people got up from what appeared to be an early evening nap and came outside.· Twenty-seven people were arrested when the police finally got the camp back under control in the early evening.· And it somehow seemed perfectly coordinated with the stadium, the ground, early evening and the four of us.· It was early evening when we visited Corrie.· There were the dawns and dusks to observe, the midday transformations, the early evenings, the nights.· But perhaps the early evening was better still?· City walls, narrow streets, open shutters, old women sitting outside in the early evening.
· After unsettled early histories all six children came into the care of the local authority in June 1989.· This feature was particularly emphasized in the early history of the Roman rite.· Vincent's early history is the story of a great refuser.· Sold to the museum by the New York conservator Mario Modestini, its early history is completely unknown.· The earliest history of the use of pearls is difficult to establish.· All the paintings were purchased through Christie's at some point in their early history.· Tunnelling played an important part in the early history of quantum mechanics.· The luminosity of the Sun in the early history of the Solar System was probably only about 70% of the present value.
· In this session Ann talked of her deprived early life and her first marriage, which ended when her husband walked out.· What must it be like to know this about your early life?· Perhaps you could tell our readers a little about your early life?· At the beginning of his testimony Friday, Simpson described his earlier life, his rise from projects to athletic stardom.· This act of betrayal is perhaps a more real reason for O'Brian's reluctance to talk about his early life.· The only problem which cured itself was a horn that tended to cut the engine during the early life of the car.· Little is known of his early life.
· In the early months, Reagan was meticulously attentive to the legislature.· These early months gave him a brutally clear idea of what lay ahead.· He often visited her in the early months, talking as if the passive figure in the background wasn't there.· This happened once in my early months at the Department of Health and Social Security.· In the early months of 1944, Bomber Command losses hit an all-time high.· The industrial scene thus looked much more alarming in the early months of 1 978.· Active planning and discussion of an international conference occupied the early months of 1944.
· A dab with a handkerchief and an early morning sniff was my subterfuge.· BofA stock fell 1 / 2 to 7615 / 16 in early morning trading.· Fish come up from the deep sea in the early morning and the early evening.· It seems that he meets with several fellows regularly for an early morning walk.· It was Kelly Connor's early morning call.· Exercise is best for a pet in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is lower.· For the past week the Mayor has suffered with the men as they respond to early morning calls.· The February early morning was chilly, with a hint of snow to come in the air.
· Garland puts it much later, in the early part of this century.· Much of it was hard going, especially in the early parts.· Many species of bird were virtually wiped out in the early part of the century to supply the demand for decorative feathers.· Nickinello says he expects to see many of those trends to continue in the early part of 1996.· The restored canvas will go on show in the early part of next year.· In fact, the system developed during the transition to industrialisation in the early part of the present century.· And so the early part of the night passed quite quietly.· That was some time during the early part of the morning.
· A few examples are extant from this early period but most of these have been greatly altered.· This was by an average of 4. 8 cents a year or four times the amount of the earlier period.· This period of growth confirmed the patterns of the earlier period in the support for Paisleyism.· Certainly for earlier periods the rarity and high monetary value of items will place them beyond the reach of schools.· Conveyances of land From a very early period the courts have been opposed to restrictions upon the free alienation of land.· From the early period of tin mining to the 1940s women were often concentrators of minerals.· It differs widely from marriage as seen in earlier periods of social development or in some other Western countries.· The Crown then repaid the capital sum with interest from 31 July 1987 but refused to pay interest for earlier periods.
· Attitudes towards employment, retirement, and early retirement are not formed in a vacuum.· No wonder they take early retirement.· Some had been finding work a strain and early retirement came as a relief.· Even for those who have the means, the price of early retirement may be too high.· Maybe I would explore the possibility of early retirement in the end.· By conservative estimates, the agency has pared 2, 200 jobs in the past two years through attrition and early retirement.· But my guess is early retirement too, unless you're prepared to go back to divisional work.· Mr Gubbay had already agreed to take early retirement in June but the government wants him out of the way before then.
· This can be re-planted in early spring.· One day during the late winter or early spring of 1920, Margarett picked up the telephone.· These can be bought during early spring or detached from mature specimens and planted out in March and April.· In early spring, 1861, the new Confederate government decided to force the issue.· Together, the two men left the bar and walked out into the soft sea air of La Perla in early spring.· We tour a lot in late winter and early spring, too, when sleet likes to put in an appearance.· Magnolias, daffodils and bluebells bloom in profusion in early spring.· I visit on a night in early spring.
· He would like indicators that can help planners to avoid problems in the early stages of a project.· Even in the early stages of such a base, astronauts would visit for months at a time.· The early stages are the most critical in achieving high environmental standards and safe operation.· This may explain why the early stages of intoxication feel qualitatively different from later stages.· But it is very important to get medical help in the early stages.· Division of the sediment into two fractions at an early stage is therefore recommended.· The differences become more apparent once the earliest stages have been left behind.· The scheduling of payments should also be covered at an early stage.
· An early start had been checked by a lack of cheap fuel and she fell further behind by 1914.· We had an earlier start than I expected and now we are taking more time to turn the corner.· Surely an early start on atoms and molecules must somehow be brought about.· Dennis excused himself, saying he had to make an early start the following morning.· I've a very early start in the morning.· Or get an early start on that long weekend commute, then catch up from home.· Sunday, early start as massive crowds are expected.· He tells the driver that tomorrow will require an even earlier start.
· When he woke up, stiff and uncomfortable, the early summer dawn was lighting the room.· By early summer, she could no longer walk unassisted.· Peasant disturbances were numerous in the spring and early summer of 1861, but declined sharply thereafter.· Maremont pushed aside his business and civic work and spent most of the early summer barnstorming through Illinois.· We would hope to do the construction during the spring or early summer this year.· The river is benign now but will turn into a threatening torrent when the monsoons begin in early summer.· The herbaceous Paeonias are part of the glory of flower borders in the early summer.· In early summer of 1951, we heard the news we had been waiting for.
· Probably the most important early work experience you can have is to have sold something.· Pitts discusses the early work, giving it much wider play than it receives in any of the previous books.· L'ascension, his largest early work, was also transcribed for organ.· His early work was done the old-fashioned way, drawn shot by shot.· The study builds on earlier work on employers' associations and training policy in the same four industries.· But the true importance of this early work by Willadsen lies in his technique.· These apocalyptic still lifes emphasise more strongly than the earlier work Christa Dichgans' preoccupation with the psychic reality of objects.· In the earlier work the circular, arching and swinging elements are played off against an angular, somewhat disjointed pictorial armature.
· In its earlier years it was extremely outspoken in its condemnation of anything that failed to gain its approval.· In those early years, pillage and embezzlement had already led to fearful disasters.· I found the early years far harder to cope with than the teens and others often agree with me.· From the earliest years, girls are taught the importance of appearance.· They, and the schools we went to, helped preserve a brown Fifties environment all through our early years.· They were willing to accept low base salaries in the early years of their contracts in exchange for large signing bonuses.· What happens if the conditions for establishing basic trust and security are unfavourable during the early years of childhood?
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► early bird/early riser► the early bird catches the wormPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► (have a) late/early night
1first part in the first part of a period of time, event, or process: - Both Maddy and Patrick were professionally successful at an early age, secure, and surrounded by helpful family.
- But what about alteration of brain chemistry at an early age?
- Did you start painting at an early age?
- I worry about cholesterol, because my father died of a heart attack at an early age.
- If you get to know about these things at an early age you lose your shame and shyness.
- Robin adds that as a boy he saw both the Graf Zeppelin and R-101, obviously an enthusiast from an early age.
- Spong does not advocate marriage at an early age.
- Women learn at an early age that most men do not like angry women living in the same house.
- Below once more, with everything as secure as she could make it, she decided she might as well have an early night.
- Cancel any evening plans - have an early night.
- Everyone is contemplating an early night - it has been a long day, one of the busiest for a while.
- He himself had drunk one quick light beer before excusing himself for an early night.
- I should have left you to fix your light snack and have an early night.
- I was planning on an early night.
- In any case, after dinner you will need an early night.
- She tidied up the sitting-room, promising herself an early night with a book.
- Farmers near Girvan and Dunbar use these advantages to provide early potatoes for the large markets of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
- Plant garlic, shallots and Jerusalem artichokes as soon as possible, early potatoes about mid-month.
- The early potatoes were well up and looking very healthy, I was happy to see.
- Order was restored in the prison in the early hours of June 25th.
- The club didn't close till the early hours.
- They reached San Francisco in the early hours of the morning.
- He died in the early hours of this morning.
- House fire: Firefighters were called to a house blaze in Sedgefield in the early hours of Saturday morning.
- Return will be on Sunday, 2 May, late evening or in the early hours of Monday morning.
- Tension mounted in the early hours of yesterday morning when a shot was heard in the area of the siege house.
- The ideal time at which to make an arrest is in the early hours of the morning.
- The tail-end of a conversation in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
- After an early start we were soon out of the city and climbing.
- Dennis excused himself, saying he had to make an early start the following morning.
- Everything must be ready for an early start tomorrow.
- Good judgement of conditions, an early start and a fast, efficient ascent are essential to avoid such torrid descent.
- Have you got an early start?
- Or get an early start on that long weekend commute, then catch up from home.
- Surely an early start on atoms and molecules must somehow be brought about.
- We had an earlier start than I expected and now we are taking more time to turn the corner.
- Geoffrey was up bright and early on Saturday morning, and had everything packed before breakfast.
- I'll be here bright and early to pick you up.
- Waking bright and early, I went for a swim and took the dog for a walk.
- Despite the awful weather, some executives were at their desks bright and early.
- I arrived bright and early at Brian the falconer's house for day one of my course.
- Saturday, the day of the match itself, began bright and early for me.
- We should be grateful if you would reply at your earliest convenience.
- Could you therefore please telephone me at your earliest convenience?
- I also enclose a Medical Assessment Card which you should complete and return at your earliest convenience.
- Into this would be built an early warning system to keep the business on the right financial track.
- She wondered if she had developed an early warning system since the fiasco with Marcus.
- The antibody test is the best early warning device available.
- Their fortunes may thereby serve as an early warning system to humankind of previously unrecognized environmental problems.
- They have an early warning system.
- This knowledge also improves early warning systems for the events.
- Timely recognition of emerging infections requires early warning systems to detect new infectious diseases before they become public health crises.
- Use was made of facilities for communications, intelligence gathering, and early warning systems.
- A red squirrel was another early riser.
- At 0630 hours the first of the early risers entered the cookhouse for breakfast.
- By the evening they are still full of energy when the early risers wilt.
- Graduate students in most institutions are notoriously late risers, who work way past conventional bedtime.
- It will be particularly useful for early risers who once had to endure deafening music from Benidorm bars until the small hours.
- The restaurants are late risers as well.
- There was the possibility of kingfisher and water rail for early risers on the morrow.
- We were early risers on the first morning.
- Don called - he's running late, so we'll start without him.
- He makes our trains run on time.
- In other words: - Keep the job running on time.
- Maybe she could get the London Underground to run on time?
- Passenger trains never ran on time now.
- Station refurbishment seems a mere insult when the trains don't run on time.
the early morning sunshine an afternoon in early spring In the early days, the railways mainly carried goods. She is in her early twenties. the recession of the early 1980s The money could be paid as early as next week. He spent the early part of his career at St John’s Hospital. the experiences of early childhood the early works of Shakespeare My earliest memories are of fruit trees. Early signs are encouraging.2before usual arriving or happening before the usual or expected time OPP latefive minutes/three hours etc early The bus was ten minutes early.early for I was a few minutes early for my appointment. David decided to take early retirement (=stop working before the normal age). She drank herself into an early grave (=died younger than is normal).3beginning used to emphasize that something has just begun, especially when you do not know how it will develop: It’s too early to say what will happen. It’s early days yet. I don’t want to make any predictions.4new thing [only before noun] being one of the first people, events, machines etc: Early motor cars had very poor brakes. fossil evidence of early man5the early hours the time between midnight and morning: I didn’t finally get to bed until the early hours.in the early hours of something The attack happened in the early hours of Sunday morning.6an early start a start made very early in the day because you have a lot to do, far to go etc: We need to make an early start tomorrow.7at/from an early age when you are very young, or starting when you were very young: She’s played tennis from a very early age.8an early night if you have an early night, you go to bed earlier than usual OPP a late nighthave/get an early night I think I’ll get an early night.9early bird/early riser someone who always gets up very early in the morning10the early bird catches the worm used to say that if you do something early or before other people, you will be successful11early potatoes/lettuces etc potatoes etc that are ready to be picked before any othersCOLLOCATIONSnounsearly morning/afternoon/evening· The lake looked beautiful in the pale early morning light.early spring/summer etc· These plants produce flowers from early spring to late summer.early August/January etc· Italy is lovely in early June, before it gets too hot.the early days/months/years of something (=the period of time near the beginning of something)· In the early years of our marriage, we lived with my wife’s parents.in your early twenties/forties etc (=aged 20–23, 40–43 etc)· Both men are in their early twenties.the early 1920s/1970s etc (=1920–23, 1970–73 etc)· He lived in London in the early 1980s.somebody’s early childhood/adolescence/life (=when someone is a young child, adolescent etc)· We’ve known each other since early childhood.an early stage (=near the beginning of a process)· Patients can be treated with drugs, especially at the early stage of the disease.the early part of something (=near the beginning of an event or period of time)· I was doing quite well in the early part of the race.somebody’s earliest memory (=the first thing you can remember about something from your past)· One of my earliest memories is of being at a busy railway station, trying to find my mum.THESAURUSearly arriving or happening before the usual or expected time: · For once, the train arrived early.· Let’s have an early lunch before we go.in good time especially British English early enough, so that you do not have to rush, or so that you have time to get ready: · Everything was ready for the party in good time.on time arriving somewhere or happening at the right time: · The bus was on time.· The project was finished on time.ahead of time earlier than the time when you have arranged to do something or than when you need something: · The building work was completed ahead of time.· Some of the food can be prepared ahead of time.ahead of schedule earlier than the officially agreed time: · The prime minister called the elections early, five months ahead of schedule.with time to spare arriving somewhere or finishing something before the time when you have to arrive or finish: · We got to the airport with plenty of time to spare.· I finished the test with time to spare.first thing especially spoken immediately after you get up, or as soon as you start work: · I’ll telephone her first thing tomorrow.early1 adjectiveearly2 adverb
earlyearly2 ●●● S1 W1 adverb (comparative earlier, superlative earliest) EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- early in the century
- I'll be seeing him early next week.
- I left work early to go to the dentist.
- Rangers scored early in the game but fell behind within ten minutes.
- The flowers were planted earlier in the spring.
- You should get there early if you want a good seat.
- A reconvened multi-party constitutional conference early next month is expected to leap these hurdles quickly.
- Colin Pennington's wife Joanne went into labour three weeks early in the bathroom of their home in Runcorn, Cheshire.
- Due to a shortage of whiskey that evening, the party broke up early.
- I t could occur early in your service - or much later.
- Its first conferences were held at Blackfriars and Blackpool early in 1932.
- The next Opposition party should agree more timetabling of Bills early in the new Parliament, and we should keep to it.
- Whichever party is in opposition next time, let us try to decide early to timetable more Bills.
- Yet very early, infants display an amazing interest in their world.
Longman Language Activatorbefore the usual or expected time
if something happens early , it happens before the usual time or the most suitable time; if someone is early , they arrive before the time they are expected to: · I finished work early today.· If you plant the seeds too early they won't grow.· After an early lunch, we started the meeting at one o'clock.· Everyone was deeply shocked by his early death at the age of forty-five.be early (for something) (=arrive early): · You're early - I wasn't expecting you till seven.· I'm sorry, I'm a bit early for my appointment.seven months/three days etc early (=seven months/three days etc earlier than expected): · Our first child was born eight weeks early.
earlier than the time when you have arranged or expect to do something: · We will try to complete the building ahead of time.· Visas must be obtained ahead of time, and it may take several weeks to get them in order.· You can always prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate it.
earlier than the officially agreed time: · Due to the economy's strong recovery, Mexico will repay ahead of schedule the last installment of a $13.5 billion loan.six months/two weeks/a year etc ahead of schedule: · The renovation of the school has just been completed three months ahead of schedule.
early enough, so that you do not have to rush, or so that you have time to get ready: · I like to get all my Christmas presents bought and sent in good time.in good time for: · It is important to arrive in good time for your interview.
if you arrive somewhere or finish something with time to spare , you arrive or finish before the time when you have to arrive or finish: · In spite of the bad traffic, we reached London with plenty of time to spare.with ten minutes/half an hour etc to spare: · I finished the test with just two minutes to spare (=two minutes before the end).
too early · Too much success too early can cause you to grow overconfident.too early to do something · It's still too early to tell if the treatment is going to be effective.too early for · There aren't any raspberries in the stores yet. It's too early for them.far/way too early (=much too early) · We arrived far too early and had to wait outside for an hour.
happening too early after something else, or doing something much earlier than you should: · I don't think you should go back to work too soon after having the baby.too soon to do something: · It's too soon to say what effect the merger will have on the company's 1500 employeestoo soon for: · I knew it was too soon for any likely resolution of the problem.far/way too soon (=much too soon): · You can't get married next week! That's far too soon.· Lendl hit the ball way too soon.
written: untimely death/end much earlier than usual or expected, so that people are surprised by it: · Before his untimely death in 1991, Freddie Mercury was a brilliant singer and performer.meet an untimely end (=die early): · His grandfather had met an untimely end as the result of too much whisky.
happening before the normal or natural time: premature death/birth/ageing: · Alcoholism is one of the major causes of premature death.· It has been proved that sunbathing causes premature ageing of the skin.premature baby (=a baby that is born before the normal time): · Her baby was premature and weighed only 2kg.
informal to do or say something too early, before you know what is going to happen next, so that you risk making a mistake: · I think it would be jumping the gun to sign the agreement at this stage.· Surely it's jumping the gun to buy the ring before you've even asked her to marry you?
British if you say it's early days , you mean that it is still too early in a process or event to know what will happen: · It's still early days, but all the signs are that the operation has been a success.it's early days yet: · "It looks like Liverpool are going to win the championship.'' "Oh I don't know. It's early days yet.''
early in the morning early in the morning: · I always wake up early when the weather's warm.· Early the next day, Jamie received a call from his mother.make an early start (=start an activity or journey early in the morning): · If we make an early start we should avoid the worst of the traffic.in the early hours (=during the first hours of the day, when most people are asleep): · The robbery took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.early bird (=someone who gets up early in the morning): · Jack was always an early bird; he did a lot of his work before dawn.
especially spoken if you do something first thing , you do it immediately after you get up or as soon as you start work: · I'll telephone her first thing, I promise.first thing tomorrow/Wednesday/in the morning etc: · Leave it on my desk and I'll deal with it first thing tomorrow.
informal use this to emphasize that something happens very early in the morning, when most people are still in bed: · My Dad used to get up at the crack of dawn every Sunday to go fishing.
if you get up bright and early , you get up very early in the morning, especially because there is something that you want to do: · Geoffrey was up bright and early on Saturday morning, and had everything packed before breakfast.· Waking bright and early, I went for a swim and took the dog for a walk.
before now before now or before the time you are talking about: · I had never seen such an ugly baby before.· Wendell had never been on a plane before.the day/week/year etc before: · Sheila and I became friends in 1995, although we had actually met several years before.
: five minutes/two weeks/20 years etc ago five minutes, two weeks, twenty years etc before now: · George went out half an hour ago. Can I have him call you back?· Lucy's aunt died a few months ago.a long time ago: · "When did you live in Germany?" "Oh, it was a long time ago."ages ago spoken (=a very long time ago): · Pauline wrote to me once, but that was ages ago.
at some time, date, year etc before now or before the time you are talking about: · Didn't I give you the key earlier?earlier in the day/year etc: · I saw Barbara earlier in the day - she looked pretty upset.20 years earlier/10 minutes earlier/moments earlier etc: · Three years earlier, Miller had been happily married, with a good job.
before a time or event in the past: · Hastings previously worked for a software company in Richmond.· The bombing is being blamed on a previously unknown group of terrorists.two days/three weeks/six months etc previously: · She had met Atwood at a conference a few weeks previously.
formal during a period in the past but not now: · Milligan, 43, was formerly a deputy foreign minister.· Peru was formerly ruled by the Spanish.· Watkins was formerly editor of the Express, a local weekly newspaper.
done or happening at the beginning: initial feelings/costs/reaction etc feelings, costs etc that exist or are experienced at the beginning of an event or process: · Simon's initial feeling when he heard about the wedding was surprise.· After initial delays, construction on the new library is due to start in two weeks.· The initial cost of the computer system is more than made up for in terms of eventual profit.
close to the beginning of an event, story, period of time etc: · I'll be seeing him early next week.early in the game/story/century etc: · Rangers scored early in the game but fell behind within ten minutes.
happening at the beginning of a process or event, especially in order to prepare for the rest of it: · The architect's plans are still in the preliminary stages.· Preliminary market research has shown that most Americans prefer environmentally-friendly products.
: introductory remark/paragraph/chapter etc something someone says or writes at the beginning of a book, speech etc to explain what it is about: · Williams cleared his throat, made a few introductory remarks welcoming everyone, then began his speech.· The text has been revised and a new introductory essay has been added for the second edition.
said or written at the beginning of a speech, book, play etc: · In the opening chapter, Ramona sits at the breakfast table thinking about the first day of school.· The audience strongly objected to the opening remarks of the president's speech.· Hilary makes a brief appearance in the opening scene, but doesn't have a major part.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs Their troubles began in the mid eighties. Hilda Simpson was a woman in her early eighties. The play was written in the late fifties. He must be in his early fifties by now. He spent several years in Paris in the late forties. The woman was probably in her mid forties. Do you want to knock off early today? The industry received a lot of bad publicity in the early nineties. My grandfather was in his early nineties when he died. He was forced to retire early because of poor health. In the early seventies, Sag Harbor was still a peaceful village. Bill must be in his mid seventies now. the student riots in Paris in the late sixties I’d say she was in her late sixties. It was a cold, sunny day in early spring. We moved to York when I was in my early teens. The family sold the house in the early thirties. She must be in her early thirties by now. Steve turned up late, as usual. The photograph was taken in the late twenties. She was in her early twenties when I met her.
· Some of the guests arrived early.
· I had to leave early, so I missed the end of the party.
· Your father said he’d be home early.
· Set the alarm for six – I have to be up early tomorrow.
· I think I’ll go to bed early tonight.
phrases· We set off early in the morning.
· I usually go on holiday early in July.
· We moved to Manchester early in 2004.
(=in the first part of the year or century)· It was too early in the year for a lot of flowers.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· I arrived in Boston in the early afternoon.
· She’d been playing the piano from a very early age.
· Kids can start learning a second language at a young age.
· I don’t think we should arrive early.
· We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.
· Early booking is recommended because places are limited.
· We had an early breakfast and left before 7.30.
· the industrial towns of the early 19th century
(=the ones before this one)· All these have been mentioned briefly in earlier chapters.
· Experiences in early childhood are very important.
(=existing before others, or at the beginning of a period of time)· the early civilizations of Mesopotamia and the East Mediterranean
(=at a young age)· Paul's first marriage ended with the early death of his wife.
(=at an early stage of a disease)· Early diagnosis gives patients the best chance of recovery.
(=written before others)· In earlier drafts of the speech, he criticized the pace of political progress.
Their troubles began in the mid eighties. Hilda Simpson was a woman in her early eighties.· Hopes of an early end to the conflict are fading.
· These amounts are much higher than those given in previous estimates.
(=the early part of the evening)· We met for a drink in the early evening.
The play was written in the late fifties. He must be in his early fifties by now. He spent several years in Paris in the late forties. The woman was probably in her mid forties. (=one that happens before winter)· I hoped the early frost wasn’t a sign of a bad winter to come.
· As with earlier generations of his family, he had been educated at Bootham School, York.
· He had studied ancient Roman history.
· I had just seen him a few hours earlier.
Do you want to knock off early today? (=a lead early in a game, election etc)· Liverpool took an early lead with a goal from Steven Gerrard.
· My earliest memory is of being bitten by a dog.
· As I mentioned earlier, it will cost a lot of money.
(=around age 40)· Two women in early middle age sat next to him.
· A light frost covered the fields in the early morning.
· He has to get up very early in the morning.
· The offer was in the final stages of negotiation.
(=when you go to bed early)· I’m really tired - I need an early night.
The industry received a lot of bad publicity in the early nineties. My grandfather was in his early nineties when he died. (=happening earlier or later than commonly happens – used especially about serious illnesses)· The patient had a family history of early onset Alzheimer's disease.
(=as soon as possible)· He decided to leave school at the earliest opportunity.
(=optimism that you feel at the start of a process, especially when it does not continue)· There was initial optimism about a breakthrough in relations between the two countries.
· The school dates from the early part of the nineteenth century.
· Tracey showed early promise in mathematics.
He was forced to retire early because of poor health. (=retire earlier than usual)· He took early retirement in 1990 after 25 years at IBM.
(=before the usual or expected time)· Staff are being asked to consider early retirement.
(=happening quite soon)· The policy has been successful, despite some early setbacks.
In the early seventies, Sag Harbor was still a peaceful village. Bill must be in his mid seventies now. (=be working a particular shift)· She’s on the late shift.
· Nobody wants to do the late shift.
(=a sign near the beginning of something that shows that it is happening, or that it exists)· an early sign of spring
the student riots in Paris in the late sixties I’d say she was in her late sixties. It was a cold, sunny day in early spring.· Sometimes there are problems in the early stages of a project.
· I can’t change my plans at this late stage.
· It was long trip so we had planned an early start.
· He made a flying start at college, but then he didn't manage to keep it up.
· The report is a summary of the work done in earlier studies.
· In the late summer of 1931, Joe returned to Oxford.
We moved to York when I was in my early teens. The family sold the house in the early thirties. She must be in her early thirties by now. Steve turned up late, as usual. The photograph was taken in the late twenties. She was in her early twenties when I met her.· The president vetoed an earlier version of the bill.
· Little is known about his early years.· He remembers the early years of television.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB· Harry had arrived early for his appointment with Cunningham and was already regretting it.· Two candidates, Buchanan and Alexander, arrived early for campaign appearances.· To force them to arrive early is beyond comprehension.· Three days later, he arrived early at the Higgins Middle School and opened the gym.· I used to arrive early in the morning before the household had left on their rounds.· Arrive early in the evening for a spot at the sushi bar, where most pairs go for about $ 3.· The trouble with arriving early at a park is you don't look convincing pretending to take an interest in the roses.· Larson arrived early to unlock the front door and changed quickly into his swimming trunks.
· Bodily proportions at birth suggest that the growth reduction began early in gestation.· The work will begin early this year and is expected to be completed in 1999, Kasler said.· Full-scale mining is due to begin early next year.· My advice to parents is: begin early.· An initial seismic survey will be completed in 1993 with exploration drilling scheduled to begin early in 1994.· It had begun early that morning.· Building work starts on the factory in the summer and production will begin early in 1993.· Margarett did not record her interest in art in the diary she began early in 1912.
· And then, that fatal day when he came early.· At the height of the Maine summer; when dawn came early, the town did not see the daylight.· They said that's just in case the baby comes early, that's all they said.· So late in November, the dusk came early.· I had imagined it would come early to both of them.· In short, the decision came early.· Robert and Christine's mother came early this morning and took them back to London.· The wealthy came early, joined the host in the dining room for the best food and drink.
· One night they secretly told all employees, except Peter to leave early.· Lesser fines for getting to work late, or leaving early, or failing to report a problem with a machine.· Instead they left early and began the walk to the hotel.· He started coming in late, leaving early, even disappearing for chunks of the day without articulating why.· Finally, he decided to make good on the excuse he'd used to leave early and connected with the dish system.· We leave early the next morning.· Included are regular guided walks, one of which leaves early after a very serious breakfast!· I decided to leave early and find her at the factory.
· Controversy has also surrounded the terms under which Mr McNeill and four other senior education officials have been able to retire early.· Cosby portrays a blue-collar worker who was forced to retire early from an airline.· Iris is totally dependent on Donald who retired early to care for his wife.· Financial advisers warn consumers not to depend much on either their pensions or Social Security to help them retire early.· He retired early in 1981 so he could nurse his wife Ruby, who was partially paralyzed with polio.· Those with the longer periods received higher payments than those with shorter periods and were more likely to have retired early.· People considering retiring early would be caught by that punitive tax.· He was in his early fifties and couldn't be retired early, except on a very much reduced company pension.
· It is a relatively easy run down if we start early in the morning.· The evening gets started early at 7: 30 p. m. and sells out early, with an expected crowd of 320.· The Center wants high schools to offer one or two college-level courses for college-bound students to get them started early.· The cases started early and kept going, with new patients arriving daily.· I suppose he has to start early.· I start early and go late into the night.· Like most soldiers' days, 30 June started early.· Disseminated histoplasmosis can be treated effectively if the diagnosis is made quickly and anti-fungal drug therapy is started early.
· Similarly, lessons from across the world show that early warning signs of conflict are ignored at our peril.· The best early warning signal is to be aware of your own attitude.· The computer maker warned early this month that its quarterly earnings would be well below analysts' expectations.· The antibody test is the best early warning device available.· Timely recognition of emerging infections requires early warning systems to detect new infectious diseases before they become public health crises.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► (have a) late/early night
1before the usual, arranged, or expected time OPP late: - I realized early on that the relationship wasn't going to work.
- Jonathon got an early start on getting to know his baby sister - he helped deliver her.
- Geoffrey was up bright and early on Saturday morning, and had everything packed before breakfast.
- I'll be here bright and early to pick you up.
- Waking bright and early, I went for a swim and took the dog for a walk.
- Despite the awful weather, some executives were at their desks bright and early.
- I arrived bright and early at Brian the falconer's house for day one of my course.
- Saturday, the day of the match itself, began bright and early for me.
- We should be grateful if you would reply at your earliest convenience.
- Could you therefore please telephone me at your earliest convenience?
- I also enclose a Medical Assessment Card which you should complete and return at your earliest convenience.
- Into this would be built an early warning system to keep the business on the right financial track.
- She wondered if she had developed an early warning system since the fiasco with Marcus.
- The antibody test is the best early warning device available.
- Their fortunes may thereby serve as an early warning system to humankind of previously unrecognized environmental problems.
- They have an early warning system.
- This knowledge also improves early warning systems for the events.
- Timely recognition of emerging infections requires early warning systems to detect new infectious diseases before they become public health crises.
- Use was made of facilities for communications, intelligence gathering, and early warning systems.
- A red squirrel was another early riser.
- At 0630 hours the first of the early risers entered the cookhouse for breakfast.
- By the evening they are still full of energy when the early risers wilt.
- Graduate students in most institutions are notoriously late risers, who work way past conventional bedtime.
- It will be particularly useful for early risers who once had to endure deafening music from Benidorm bars until the small hours.
- The restaurants are late risers as well.
- There was the possibility of kingfisher and water rail for early risers on the morrow.
- We were early risers on the first morning.
- Don called - he's running late, so we'll start without him.
- He makes our trains run on time.
- In other words: - Keep the job running on time.
- Maybe she could get the London Underground to run on time?
- Passenger trains never ran on time now.
- Station refurbishment seems a mere insult when the trains don't run on time.
We arrived early. They must have come home early.2near the beginning of a period of time, event, process etc OPP lateearly in She went out early in the morning. He was sent off early in the game.early this/next/last year etc The building should be finished early next year. The restaurant opened earlier this month. We want to start as early as possible. The disease is easy to treat if diagnosed early.3early on at an early stage in a relationship, process etc: I realized early on I’d never pass the exam.early in We encountered problems early on in the project.COLLOCATIONSverbsarrive early/be early· Some of the guests arrived early.leave early· I had to leave early, so I missed the end of the party.be/get/come home early· Your father said he’d be home early.get up/wake up/be up early· Set the alarm for six – I have to be up early tomorrow.go to bed early· I think I’ll go to bed early tonight.phrasesearly in the morning/afternoon/evening· We set off early in the morning.early in May/June etc· I usually go on holiday early in July.early in 1998/2004 etc· We moved to Manchester early in 2004.early in the year/century (=in the first part of the year or century)· It was too early in the year for a lot of flowers.