early

Definitions of early in various dictionaries:

adj - at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

adj - being or occurring at an early stage of development

adj - belonging to the distant past

adj - very young

adj - of an early stage in the development of a language or literature

adj - expected in the near future

adv - during an early stage

adv - before the usual time or the time expected

adv - in good time

Of or occurring near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events: in the early morning; scored two runs in the early innings.

Of or belonging to a previous or remote period of time: the early inhabitants of the British Isles.

Of or belonging to an initial stage of development: an early form of life; an early computer.

Occurring, developing, or appearing before the expected or usual time: an early spring; an early retirement.

Maturing or developing relatively soon: an early variety of tomato.

Occurring in the near future: Observers predicted an early end to the negotiations.

Near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events: departed early in the day; scored important victories early in the campaign.

At or during a remote or initial period: decided very early to go into medicine.

Before the expected or usual time: arrived at the meeting a few minutes early.

Soon in relation to others of its kind: a rose that was cultivated to bloom early.

adv - near the beginning of a period of time or a series of events