Earlier Meaning
/ˈɝliɚ/, /ˈɜː.lɪə/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjcomparative form of early: more early
adjoccurring previously
"I shall be late because I missed the earlier train."
"To me it seems that extensive investment in relatively low-powered units may have the same ultimate result of motive power shortage as that which afflicts the London Midland Region today, and which has compelled the re-engining of some of the earlier multiple-unit diesel train sets."— 1958 June 26, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, page 412:
advcomparative form of early: more early
advpreviously; before now; sooner
"From what I vaguely saw earlier this morning, when I had just woken up and was tidying my bed, a tall, bulky person left an unfamiliar box at my front door."
Sentence Examples
It is regrettable that you did not start earlier.
You should have come earlier.
It's exciting to discover traces of earlier civilizations.
CEFR Practice Quiz
She finished her chores ____ than I did, so she relaxed first.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
It is regrettable that you did not start ____.
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
She finished her chores ____ than I did, so she relaxed first.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
It is regrettable that you did not start ____.