Definition

1. Adjective (superlative form of 'early'):

   • Most early in time: Refers to something occurring before all others in a sequence or at the beginning of a period.
   • First or initial: Describes the first stage or occurrence in a series.

2. Adverb:

   • At the earliest possible time; with the least delay: Indicates the soonest something can happen or be done.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • This is his earliest known painting. (This painting is the first one he is known to have made.)
  • The earliest civilizations developed along river valleys. (The very first civilizations appeared along river valleys.)

• Adverb:

  • The package will arrive Monday at the earliest. (The soonest possible arrival day for the package is Monday.)
  • I can finish the report by Friday at the very earliest. (Friday is the absolute soonest I can complete it.)

Advanced Usage

• "At the earliest": This is a fixed adverbial phrase used to emphasize the soonest possible time for an event, often implying it could be later.
  • Construction will begin in June at the earliest. (June is the soonest it could start, but it might be later.)

Variants and Related Words

• Early (adj/adv): Happening or done before the usual or expected time.
• Earlier (adj/adv): Comparative form of 'early'; happening before the present time or before another event.

Synonyms

• Adjective: First, initial, original, primordial.
• Adverb: Soonest, first.

Related Phrases

• At your earliest convenience: A polite phrase requesting someone to do something as soon as they reasonably can.
  • Please reply at your earliest convenience.

Adjective

1. (comparative and superlative of `early') more early than; most early
   • a fashion popular in earlier times
   • his earlier work reflects the influence of his teacher
   • Verdi's earliest and most raucous opera

Adverb

1. with the least delay
   • the soonest I can arrive is 3 P.M.