earlier

/ˈɜːliər/

at a time before now

She arrived earlier than expected.

She came before the expected time.

general

at a time before now or before a specified time

The meeting started earlier than scheduled.

The meeting began before the planned time.

He finished his work earlier in the day.

He completed his tasks before the usual time.

Often used to indicate something happened sooner than expected or planned.

Collocations

earlier than expectedsooner than anticipatedearlier in the dayat a time before now during the day

at a time before

at an earlier time during the day

Use 'earlier' to refer to a time before now or before a specified time.

'Earlier' is primarily an adverb, but can function as an adjective in contexts like 'an earlier time'.

From Middle English 'erlier', from Old English 'ǣrlīce', from 'ǣr' (early) + '-līce' (adverb suffix).

Can be used as an adverb or adjective (e.g., 'an earlier version'). Often contrasts with 'later' or 'after'.

earl

early

root

-ier

comparative form

suffix

-ly

adverb suffix

suffix

English Dictionary