early — before the usual or expected time
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: before the usual or expected time
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɜːrli/
Example Sentences
- The early bird catches the worm, but I prefer to be the second mouse that gets the cheese.
- I always arrive early to avoid the awkward small talk with latecomers.
- She retired early to pursue her dream of becoming a professional nap-taker.
early
ADVERB[/ˈɜːrli/]
before the usual or expected time
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Early derives from Old English ærlice, a combination of ær (before, soon) and the adverbial suffix -lice. The word developed from a fundamental concept expressing temporal sequence and precedence.
Breakdown
ær (before, soon) + -lice (adverbial suffix forming adverbs from adjectives)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The early bird catches the worm, but I prefer to be the second mouse that gets the cheese.”
“I always arrive early to avoid the awkward small talk with latecomers.”
“She retired early to pursue her dream of becoming a professional nap-taker.”
“The early stages of learning a new language feel like trying to solve a puzzle blindfolded.”
📚Related Words
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