Early
/หษหr.li/noun
Occurring near the beginning of a period of time.
Did you know?In Old English, 'earli' was linked to the concept of being 'foremost' or 'noble', hinting at a time when timing was considered a mark of status.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*hโer-
โto raise, to rise, often associated with the dawn.โ
Ancient Germanic
Gmc
*earla-
โforemost, prior, suggesting an association with importance.โ
Old English
OE
earli
โforemost, early; linked to nobility and prominence.โ
Middle English
ME
eerly
โbefore the expected time, emphasizing timeliness.โ
Modern English
English
early
โpertaining to a point in time that is near the beginning.โ