Definition of Earlier

1. Adjective. (comparative and superlative of 'early') more early than; most early. "Verdi's earliest and most raucous opera"

Exact synonyms: Earliest
Language type: Comparative, Comparative Degree
Similar to: Early

2. Adverb. Earlier in time; previously. "I mentioned that problem earlier"
Exact synonyms: Before

3. Adverb. Comparatives of 'soon' or 'early'. "Came earlier than I expected"
Exact synonyms: Sooner

4. Adverb. Before now. "Why didn't you tell me in the first place?"

Definition of Earlier

1. Adjective. (comparative of early) ¹

2. Adjective. occurring previously ¹

3. Adverb. (comparative of early) ¹

4. Adverb. previously; before now; sooner ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Earlier

1. early [adv] - See also: early

Lexicographical Neighbors of Earlier

earldorman
earldormen
earlduck
earleaved umbrella tree
earles
earles penny
earless
earless lizard
earless seal
earless seals
earlessness
earlet
earlets
earlid
earlids
earlier (current term)
earlies
earliest
earlike
earliness
earlinesses
earlobe
earlobes
earlock
earlocks
earloop
earloops
earls
earlshannonite
earlship

Literary usage of Earlier

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Samuel Thurber (1896)
"Recall the very similar proverbial expression used earlier in the play by Macbeth. ACT V. Scene 1. 86. My mind she has mated. Remember that mate is two ..."

2. Nature by Norman Lockyer, Nature Publishing Group (1875)
"Dawkins finds osteological affinities between the Basques and the earlier neolithic Troglodytes, and Mr. John Rhys follows this up by pointing out ..."

3. Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature by H.W. Wilson Company (1915)
"Geological surveys Geological methods In earlier days. ... Science ns 40:827-30 D 4 '14 Geological methods in earlier days. J: J. See also Coal; Gas, ..."

4. The Cambridge History of English Literature by Adolphus William Ward, Alfred Rayney Waller (1914)
"His earlier attitude to nature, as has already been noticed, has none of the complacency that distinguishes his age: to him, it was the revelation of a ..."

5. Dictionary of National Biography by LESLIE. STEPHEN (1895)
"The Famous Chronicle of King Edward I, surnamed Edward Longshanks,' &c., Ac., printed 1593, may have been acted two or three years earlier (the arguments of ..."

Other Resources:

Search for Earlier on Dictionary.com!Search for Earlier on Thesaurus.com!Search for Earlier on Google!Search for Earlier on Wikipedia!