adverb

earlier

UR-lee-uh

Earlier (adverb) means At a time before the present moment or before the time being talked about. Example: “I saw her earlier, outside the station.”

adverb

At a time before the present moment or before the time being talked about.

"I saw her earlier, outside the station."

"The email arrived earlier than expected."

adjective

Coming before another in time or order; comparative of early.

"An earlier version of the report had different figures."

"Take the earlier train if you want a seat."

How to use earlier

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBefore now, or before the time you are talking about.

Memory tip

'Earlier' is already comparative, so never write 'more earlier'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

sooner → previously → formerly →

Common pairings

earlier today earlier this week as mentioned earlier earlier than expected an earlier version

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I saw her _____, outside the station.

Etymology

Comparative of 'early', from Old English 'ærlice', from 'ær' (soon, before).

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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before previously beforehand already previous prior preceding former

Antonyms

later afterwards subsequent following

Related words

by what time after then before old next

Rhymes for earlier

bier tier pier crier skier trier Meier Grier Drier Xavier copier vizier

See all rhymes for earlier →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'earlier' and 'sooner'?

'Earlier' compares points in time: the meeting is earlier than yesterday's. 'Sooner' measures the gap from now, so 'come sooner' means with less delay. 'The sooner the better' cannot be replaced by 'earlier'.

Should I write 'earlier today' or 'today earlier'?

'Earlier today' is the natural order and the only one used in normal English. The same pattern gives 'earlier this week' and 'earlier this year'.

What is the meaning of earlier?

"earlier" (adverb) means at a time before the present moment or before the time being talked about.

What is another word for earlier?

Other words for "earlier" include before, previously, beforehand, already, previous, prior.

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