0 near the beginning of a period of time, or before the usual, expected, or planned time: --
I like being a little early for interviews.
I'm going to have an early night (= go to sleep before my usual time).
Henry Ford was a pioneer during the early days/years of car manufacture.
My earliest (= first) memory is of being shown around our new house.
Here's a dish I prepared earlier (= I made a short time ago).
I'm very busy, so I won't be with you till four o'clock at the earliest.
1 near the beginning of (a period of time), or before the usual, expected, or planned time: --
Sheena’s in her early thirties.
If you finish early (= before the end of the allowed time) you can go home.
Detroit has been an automotive center since the early days/years (= the beginning time) of car manufacturing.
Here’s a dish I prepared earlier (= I made a short time ago).
It was a great race for Needles, who took the lead early on (= soon after the start).
2 used to ask someone to do something, or to say that you will do something as soon as possible: --
Please give me a call back at your earliest convenience on extension one two four seven.
We can complete it step by step however long the road is and it can't be completed however short the road is if you don't even mark your footprint.
Vi kan slutföra det steg för steg hur lång vägen än är och den kan inte slutföras hur kort vägen än är om du inte ens markerar ditt fotavtryck.