Use 'early' to say something happens before the usual time. It means not late and before something starts or happens.
She arrived early for the meeting.
The early bird gets the worm.
'Early' can describe something happening before the normal time, like growth or development. It means too soon or in advance.
She showed early signs of talent.
Early puberty can cause problems.
As an adverb, 'early' means doing something before the usual or planned time. It tells when an action happened.
They finished early today.
I went to sleep early last night.
Use 'early' to talk about the first part of a sports game or contest. It means the beginning time or stages.
He scored in the early minutes of the game.
Early rounds are less difficult.
Use 'early' to show something happens before a deadline, like paying money before it is due. It means ahead of time in agreements.
They paid the loan early.
Early withdrawal may cause fees.
