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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 ©2020 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. 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 ©2020 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
