early
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 /ɜːr/ (earth)
EAR can make the /ɜːr/ sound (like 'er' in 'her'), as in 'earth' and 'learn'.
EAR sometimes says /ɜːr/ (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
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
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
Save words to study lists, build flashcard decks, and scan your own worksheets and books.