Early: meaning, definitions and examples
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early
[ˈərli ]
Definitions
time
happening or done before the usual or expected time
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She was an early riser, always awake before the sun.
- The early bird catches the worm.
- We arrived early to avoid the crowds.
- The meeting was scheduled for early afternoon.
- He made an early decision to pursue his passion.
time
before the usual or expected time
Synonyms
ahead of time, in advance, prematurely.
Examples of usage
- She arrived early for the interview.
- He finished his work early and went home.
- The store opens early on weekends.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old English 'ǣr', meaning 'before'.
- Earliest documented use dates back to the 12th century, showing its long-standing presence in the English language.
History
- Many cultures have valued early rising as a sign of diligence and productivity, dating back to ancient agricultural societies.
- The phrase 'Early to bed, early to rise' has been attributed to Benjamin Franklin, encouraging hard work and discipline.
Science
- Research suggests that early risers may have better mental health and higher levels of positivity.
- Circadian rhythms, which dictate our sleep-wake cycles, play a crucial role in determining if someone is an early bird or a night owl.
Pop Culture
- Numerous songs and media reference the concept of being early as a metaphor for preparedness and success.
- Popular idiomatic expressions like 'The early bird gets the worm' have entered common discourse, emphasizing the value of timeliness.
Literature
- In many classic novels, characters who wake up early often symbolize ambition and readiness to face challenges.
- Famous authors like Charles Dickens often depicted early mornings as times of reflection and clarity in their works.
Translations
Translations of the word "early" in other languages:
🇵🇹 cedo
🇮🇳 जल्दी
🇩🇪 früh
🇮🇩 awal
🇺🇦 рано
🇵🇱 wcześnie
🇯🇵 早い (hayai)
🇫🇷 tôt
🇪🇸 temprano
🇹🇷 erken
🇰🇷 일찍 (iljjik)
🇸🇦 مبكر (mubakkir)
🇨🇿 brzy
🇸🇰 skoro
🇨🇳 早 (zǎo)
🇸🇮 zgodaj
🇮🇸 snemma
🇰🇿 ерте
🇬🇪 ადრეული (adreuli)
🇦🇿 tezdən
🇲🇽 temprano