Definitions

1. adverb

at or in a time before the present time; previously

“She had to work earlier today to meet the deadline.”

2. adverb

sooner than the present time; in an earlier time

“We used to play in the park earlier this year.”

3. adjective

existing or happening before the present time

“The earlier symptoms of the disease were flu-like.”

4. noun

an earlier time or occasion

“The earlier part of the 20th century saw significant social change.”