early
PronouncedER-lee
adjectiveBefore the usual or expected time.
adjectiveIn the first part of the day or night.
adjectiveNear the beginning of a period or process.
Syllables
2 syllables
Letters
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: EAR says “er” (earth)
Sound“er”·/ɜːr/
EAR can make the “er” sound (like 'er' in 'her'), as in 'earth' and 'learn'.
EAR sometimes says “er” (the same sound as ER, IR, UR): earth, early, learn, earn, heard, search, pearl.
Tip
Learn about the earth — earth, early, learn!
Examples
Phonics Rule: Suffix -LY
Sound“lee”·/li/
Adding -LY to a word usually makes it describe HOW something is done, like 'slowly' and 'quickly'.
The suffix -ly usually turns an adjective into an adverb. 'Slow' → 'slowly' means 'in a slow way'.
Examples
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