Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adjective occurring at a prior time.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective comparative form of early: more early
  • adjective occurring previously
  • adverb comparative form of early: more early
  • adverb previously; before now; sooner

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adverb earlier in time; previously
  • adjective (comparative and superlative of `early') more early than; most early
  • adverb comparatives of `soon' or `early'
  • adverb before now

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • Santorum scolded Romney for using the term in a recent debate: The governor used a term earlier that I shrink from.

    Gerald McEntee: Mitt Romney and the 1% Gerald McEntee 2012

  • Romney "used a term earlier that - that I shrink from, and it's one that I don't think we should be using as Republicans: 'middle class,'" Santorum said during the nationally televised debate at the Dana Center at St. Anselm College.

    All Stories 2012

  • And to be honest, since David has broadly hinted to me and others that he would only serve one more term, I believed that he would retire a term earlier than he intended in the circumstances.

    The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com Luke Johnson 2012

  • "And the governor used a term earlier that I shrink from, and it's one that I don't think we should be using as Republicans: 'middle class.'"

    Boston.com Top Stories 2012

  • Associated Press A.C. Milan fans gather to celebrate the club's Serie A title earlier this month.

    Why Fandom Matters More in Italy Gabriele Marcotti 2011

  • Conservative blogger Glenn Reynolds employed the term earlier this week.

    The foolishness of the 'blood libel' charge Adam Serwer 2011

  • I remembered then that I had told him my name earlier in the lobby.

    Fat Chance Rhonda Pollero 2009

  • I remembered then that I had told him my name earlier in the lobby.

    Fat Chance Rhonda Pollero 2009

  • I remembered then that I had told him my name earlier in the lobby.

    Fat Chance Rhonda Pollero 2009

  • EMI was forced to cut 2,000 jobs after the Rolling Stones jumped ship on the label earlier this year.

    Lily Allen Retiring 2008

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