Earlier meaning

What does “earlier” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“earlier” is an adjective and adverb with 4 meanings. Its most common meaning is: (comparative and superlative of `early') more early than; most early.

earlier

adjective

(comparative and superlative of `early') more early than; most early
“a fashion popular in earlier times”
“his earlier work reflects the influence of his teacher”
Synonymsearliest

adverb

earlier in time; previously
“I had known her before”
“as I said before”
Synonymsbefore
comparatives of `soon' or `early'
“Come a little sooner, if you can”
“came earlier than I expected”
Synonymssooner
before now
“why didn't you tell me in the first place?”
Synonymsin the first place in the beginning to begin with originally

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University

More about “earlier”

✦Synonyms for earlier✦Unscramble EARLIER