early · adverb /ˈɜr.li/Full view
early (BEGINNING)
A1 near the beginning of a period of time, process, etc.
Dictionary examples:

I get up early during the week.

She starts work fairly early.

Learner example:

He love[s] to get up early in the morning. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Urdu)

early (BEFORE)
A2 before the usual time or the time that was arranged
Dictionary examples:

If you finish early, you can go home.

The plane arrived ten minutes early.

Learner example:

We'll finish it early. (Key English Test; A2; Thai)

early · adjective /ˈɜr.li/
early (BEGINNING)
A2 near the beginning of a period of time, process, etc.
Dictionary examples:

the early 1980s

My earliest memory is of being shown around our new house.

Detroit has been an automotive center since the early days/years of car manufacturing.

Learner example:

Tomorrow please come in the early morning. (Key English Test; A2; Bengali)

early (BEFORE)
B1 before the usual time or the time that was arranged
Dictionary examples:

I'm going to have an early night.

She took early retirement.

Learner example:

I have been thinking about early retirement. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

early on
C2 in the first stage or part of something
Dictionary example:

It was a great race for Neil, who took the lead early on.

Learner example:

What luck that I found such a yardstick early on in my childhood. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)

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