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Dictionary

ear•ly

Pronunciation: (ûr'lē), [key]
—adv., -li•er, -li•est,
—adj., -li•er, -li•est,
—n., pl. -lies.

—adv.
1. in or during the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc.: early in the year.
2. in the early part of the morning: to get up early.
3. before the usual or appointed time; ahead of time: They came early and found their hosts still dressing.
4. far back in time: The Greeks early learned to sail and navigate.
5. early on, with but little time elapsed; early in the course of a process, project, etc.; early in the game.

—adj.
1. occurring in the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc.: an early hour of the day.
2. occurring before the usual or appointed time: an early dinner.
3. belonging to a period far back in time: early French architecture.
4. occurring in the near future: I look forward to an early reply.
5. (of a fruit or vegetable) appearing or maturing before most others of its type: early apples.

—n.
a fruit or vegetable that appears before most others of its type.