Cool MateMeaning of Earlier
At a time before the present or before another specified time.
In simple words: Before now or before a specific time
Earlier in a sentence
- I arrived earlier than everyone else.
- She called me earlier to confirm our plans.
- Earlier today, it was sunny but now it’s cloudy.
- We discussed this topic earlier in the meeting.
- I liked the movie better earlier in the year.
- Please submit your report earlier than the deadline.
How to use Earlier
Use 'earlier' to refer to a time before what is currently being discussed. It is neutral in tone. Avoid using it in highly formal contexts where specific time references are needed.
Grammar pattern
standalone adverb
Memory hint
Think of the word 'ear' in 'earlier' – your ear hears things from the past.
Related words
Collocations with Earlier
- earlier today
- earlier than expected
- earlier this week
Synonyms for Earlier
- previously
- before
- formerly
- ahead of time
- prior
Common mistakes with Earlier
- Confused with 'earliest' - 'earlier' compares two times, while 'earliest' refers to the first in a group.
- Using 'earlier' to refer to future events - it only applies to past events.
Earlier appears in
Earlier in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
في وقت سابق
قبل الآن أو قبل وقت معين
- Bengaliবাংলা
আগে
এখনকার আগে বা নির্দিষ্ট সময়ের আগে
- GermanDeutsch
Earlier
Vor jetzt oder vor einer bestimmten Zeit
- SpanishEspañol
Antes
Antes de ahora o antes de una hora concreta
- Persianفارسی
زودتر
قبل از حال یا قبل از یک زمان خاص
- FrenchFrançais
Plus tôt
Avant maintenant ou avant un moment précis
- Hindiहिन्दी
पहले
अभी से या किसी खास समय से पहले
- ItalianItaliano
Prima
Prima di adesso o prima di un certo momento
- PortuguesePortuguês
Mais cedo
Antes de agora ou antes de um tempo específico
- RussianРусский
Раньше
До этого или до какого-то момента
- Urduاردو
پہلے
اب سے یا کسی خاص وقت سے پہلے
- Chinese中文
Earlier
在现在或某个特定时间之前
More words like Earlier
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Frequently asked questions about Earlier
What does Earlier mean?
Before now or before a specific time
What is the definition of Earlier?
At a time before the present or before another specified time.
How do you use Earlier in a sentence?
I arrived earlier than everyone else.
Can you give another example of Earlier?
She called me earlier to confirm our plans.
What are synonyms for Earlier?
Common alternatives include previously, before, formerly, ahead of time, prior.
What is the opposite of Earlier?
Opposite meanings include later, after.
What words go with Earlier?
It commonly pairs with earlier today, earlier than expected, earlier this week.
What are common mistakes when using Earlier?
Confused with 'earliest' - 'earlier' compares two times, while 'earliest' refers to the first in a group. Using 'earlier' to refer to future events - it only applies to past events.
How do you pronounce Earlier?
US: //ˈɪr.li.ər//, UK: //ˈɪə.əl.ɪə//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Earlier?
Use 'earlier' to refer to a time before what is currently being discussed. It is neutral in tone. Avoid using it in highly formal contexts where specific time references are needed.