Earlier

Earlier is the comparative form of early and is used as both an adjective and an adverb to indicate something that comes before another time or point in a sequence. As an adjective, it can modify a noun phrase: an earlier version, the earlier chapters. As an adverb, it modifies a verb or clause: She arrived earlier than I expected; earlier today we discussed the plan. The referent for 'earlier' is defined by the context, so its exact meaning depends on what is being compared.

Etymology: Early derives from Old English ærlic, from ær meaning before. The comparative form -er was added in Middle English to yield earlier. The core sense remains precedence in time.

Usage notes: Earlier typically refers to a past point relative to a given reference point, such as 'earlier this week' or 'earlier in the day'. It is commonly used with than, as in 'earlier than yesterday' or 'earlier than usual.' It can describe progress or versions, e.g., 'an earlier version of the document.' It contrasts with later and with previous, the latter often implying immediacy or the immediately preceding item. It is also used in fixed phrases like not earlier than, earlier on, and earlier hours of the day.

This word spans many registers and is common in both written and spoken English for indicating temporal precedence without specifying how much sooner.