comparative of early (Definition of earlier from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

1. before, previously For reasons mentioned earlier, I will not be able to attend. 2. adjective previous, former, past, prior, preceding Earlier reports of gunshots have not been confirmed.

Earlier is the comparative of early. Earlier is used to refer to a point or period in time before the present or before the one you are talking about. As mentioned earlier, the University supplements this …

The meaning of EARLY is near the beginning of a period of time. How to use early in a sentence.

Nov 23, 2025 · Adjective [edit] earlier comparative form of early: more early occurring previously quotations I shall be late because I missed the earlier train. I'd seen earlier (in the day).

Definitions of 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” synonyms: …

Earlier Sentence Examples It wasn't the same place or time as my earlier dreams. We would have arrived earlier if we'd driven. The radio bit was some weeks earlier and he felt the hub-bub had blown …

Earlier refers to a point in time before the present or before the time under consideration. It could also mean preceding in rank, precedence, order, or importance.

"Earlier" is comparative, suggesting a time closer to the present than another point. "Before" is more general and indicates simply preceding something in time.

'Earlier' [ˈɜːrliə (r)] is the comparative form of 'early,' meaning before the usual or expected time or near the beginning of a period. It is often used in phrases like 'as early as' and 'early days.'