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adj. ear·li·er, ear·li·est 1. Of or occurring near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events: in the early morning; scored two runs in the early innings. 2. a. Of or belonging to a previous or remote period of time: the early inhabitants of the British Isles. b. Of or belonging to an initial stage of development: an early form of life; an early computer. 3. Occurring, developing, or appearing before the expected or usual time: an early spring; an early retirement. 4. Maturing or developing relatively soon: an early variety of tomato. 5. Occurring in the near future: hoped for an early end to the negotiations. adv. ear·lier, ear·liest Idiom: 1. a. Near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events: departed early in the day; scored important victories early in the campaign. b. At or near the beginning of the morning: She never used to get up so early. 2. At or during a remote or initial period: decided very early to go into medicine. 3. Before the expected or usual time: arrived at the meeting a few minutes early. 4. Soon in relation to others of its kind: a rose that was cultivated to bloom early. early on At an early stage or point: Early on in the movie, the main character loses his job. [Middle English erli, from Old English ǣrlīce : ǣr, before; see ayer- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + -līce, adv. suff.; see -LY2.] earli·ness n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
American Confederate general whose forces threatened Washington, DC (1864) but were ultimately defeated by Union troops led by Philip H. Sheridan (1865). |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
