Early vs. Late: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 6, 2023
"Early" refers to a time or occurrence before the expected or usual time, while "Late" signifies after the expected or usual time.
Key Differences
1. "Early" and "Late" are antonyms in the context of time, representing opposite ends of punctuality. When one is "early," they arrive or occur before a designated time or ahead of the usual time. On the other hand, being "late" means one arrives or happens after a set or usual time.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
2. In historical contexts, the word "early" often refers to an ancient or preceding period, like the Early Renaissance. "Late" in similar contexts might refer to a more recent period or closer to the present time, such as the Late Middle Ages.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
3. "Early" can also depict something in its initial stages, as in the "early symptoms" of a disease. Conversely, "late" can portray a more advanced stage, like the "late stages" of an illness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
4. The perception of what is "early" or "late" is often subjective and can vary based on cultural norms, personal habits, or specific situations. For some, waking up at 5 am is "early," while for others, it might be a "late" start to the day.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
5. Both "early" and "late" have importance in different facets of life, from scheduling and time management to historical references and the development or progression of various phenomena.
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Use
Often used as an adverb or adjective
Often used as an adverb or adjective
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
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Early and Late Definitions
Early
Happening before the usual or expected time.
She arrived early for the meeting.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Late
After the usual or expected time on a daily basis.
I work late on Wednesdays.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Early
Occurring in the beginning or first stages.
He showed early signs of talent.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Early
From or relating to an ancient time.
Early civilizations had diverse cultures.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
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Late
Coming, occurring, continuing, or remaining after the correct, usual, or expected time; delayed
A late breakfast.
A late meeting.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Of or occurring near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events
In the early morning.
Scored two runs in the early innings.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Occurring at an advanced hour, especially well into the evening or night
A late movie on television.
The late flight to Denver.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Of or belonging to a previous or remote period of time
The early inhabitants of the British Isles.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Of or toward the end or more advanced part, as of a period or stage
The late 19th century.
A later symptom of the disease.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Of or belonging to an initial stage of development
An early form of life.
An early computer.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Having begun or occurred just previous to the present time; recent
A late development.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Occurring, developing, or appearing before the expected or usual time
An early spring.
An early retirement.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Having recently occupied a position or place
The company's late president gave the address.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Occurring in the near future
Hoped for an early end to the negotiations.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Dead, especially if only recently deceased
In memory of the late explorer.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Near the beginning of a given series, period of time, or course of events
Departed early in the day.
Scored important victories early in the campaign.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
After the expected, usual, or proper time
A train that arrived late.
Woke late and had to skip breakfast.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
At or near the beginning of the morning
She never used to get up so early.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
At or during a remote or initial period
Decided very early to go into medicine.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
At or into an advanced period or stage
A project undertaken late in her career.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Before the expected or usual time
Arrived at the meeting a few minutes early.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Soon in relation to others of its kind
A rose that was cultivated to bloom early.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Near the end of a period of time.
It was late in the evening when we finally arrived.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
At a time in advance of the usual or expected event.
At eleven, we went for an early lunch;
She began reading at an early age;
His mother suffered an early death
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Specifically, near the end of the day.
It was getting late and I was tired.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Arriving a time before expected; sooner than on time.
You're early today! I don't usually see you before nine o'clock.
The early guests sipped their punch and avoided each other's eyes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Associated with the end of a period.
Late Latin is less fully inflected than classical Latin.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Near the start or beginning.
The play "Two Gentlemen of Verona" is one of Shakespeare's early works.
Early results showed their winning 245 out of 300 seats in parliament. The main opponent locked up only 31 seats.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Not arriving until after an expected time.
Even though we drove as fast as we could, we were still late.
Panos was so late that he arrived at the meeting after Antonio, who had the excuse of being in hospital for most of the night.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Near the start of the day.
It's too early for this sort of thing. I'm not awake yet.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Not having had an expected menstrual period.
I'm late, honey. Could you buy a test?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Deceased, dead: used particularly when speaking of the dead person's actions while alive. the"; see usage notes.}}
Her late husband had left her well provided for.
The piece was composed by the late Igor Stravinsky.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; departed, or gone out of office.
The late bishop of London
The late administration
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
(informal) A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place early in the day.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
At a time before expected; sooner than usual.
We finished the project an hour sooner than scheduled, so we left early.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
(informal) A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place late in the day or at night.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Soon; in good season; seasonably; betimes; as, come early.
Those that me early shall find me.
You must wake and call me early.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.
We drove as fast as we could, but we still arrived late.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
In advance of the usual or appointed time; in good season; prior in time; among or near the first; - opposed to late; as, the early bird; an early spring; early fruit.
Early and provident fear is the mother of safety.
The doorsteps and threshold with the early grass springing up about them.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Formerly, especially in the context of service in a military unit.
Colonel Easterwood, late of the 34th Carbines, was a guest at the dinner party.
The Hendersons will all be there / Late of Pablo Fanque's Fair / What a scene!
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Coming in the first part of a period of time, or among the first of successive acts, events, etc.
Seen in life's early morning sky.
The forms of its earlier manhood.
The earliest poem he composed was in his seventeenth summer.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
At or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time;
Early morning
An early warning
Early diagnosis
An early death
Took early retirement
An early spring
Early varieties of peas and tomatoes mature before most standard varieties
In the middle years
In his middle thirties
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Being or occurring at an early stage of development;
In an early stage
Early forms of life
Early man
An early computer
The late phase of feudalism
A later symptom of the disease
Later medical science could have saved the child
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Far advanced toward the end or close; as, a late hour of the day; a late period of life.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Of the distant past;
The early inhabitants of Europe
Former generations
In other times
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; recently deceased, departed, or gone out of office; as, the late bishop of London; the late administration.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Not long past; happening not long ago; recent; as, the late rains; we have received late intelligence.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Of an early stage in the development of a language or literature;
The Early Hebrew alphabetical script is that used mainly from the 11th to the 6th centuries B.C.
Early Modern English is represented in documents printed from 1476 to 1700
Middle English is the English language from about 1100 to 1500
Middle Gaelic
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Continuing or doing until an advanced hour of the night; as, late revels; a late watcher.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
After the usual or proper time, or the time appointed; after delay; as, he arrived late; - opposed to early.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Before the usual time or the time expected;
She graduated early
The house was completed ahead of time
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Far in the night, day, week, or other particular period; as, to lie abed late; to sit up late at night.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time;
Late evening
Late 18th century
A late movie
Took a late flight
Had a late breakfast
In the middle years
In his middle thirties
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Early
Pertaining to the first part of a period or lifespan.
Memories from my early childhood are vivid.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Late
After the expected or usual time; delayed;
A belated birthday card
I'm late for the plane
The train is late
Tardy children are sent to the principal
Always tardy in making dental appointments
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Of the immediate past or just previous to the present time;
A late development
Their late quarrel
His recent trip to Africa
In recent months
A recent issue of the journal
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Of a later stage in the development of a language or literature; used especially of dead languages;
Late Greek
Middle English is the English language from about 1100 to 1500
Middle Gaelic
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
At or toward an end or late period or stage of development;
The late phase of feudalism
A later symptom of the disease
Later medical science could have saved the child
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
(used especially of persons) of the immediate past;
The former president
Our late President is still very active
The previous occupant of the White House
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Later than usual or than expected;
The train arrived late
We awoke late
The children came late to school
Notice came so tardily that we almost missed the deadline
I belatedly wished her a happy birthday
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
At an advanced age or stage;
She married late
Undertook the project late in her career
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
In the recent past;
He was in Paris recently
Lately the rules have been enforced
As late as yesterday she was fine
Feeling better of late
The spelling was first affected, but latterly the meaning also
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 06, 2023
Late
Occurring near the end of a period or lifespan.
My late grandmother was a wonderful storyteller.
Janet White
Sep 24, 2023
Late
Recent in time; not long ago.
Late developments in the case were surprising.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
FAQs
How is "early bird" used in American English?
"Early bird" often means someone who wakes or arrives early, or it can refer to early deals or discounts.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
Does "late" always refer to tardiness?
No, "late" can also mean deceased or pertain to a recent time.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can "early" and "late" be relative terms?
Yes, what's considered early or late can vary based on individual or cultural perspectives.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Can "early" refer to historical periods?
Yes, like "Early Renaissance" indicating an earlier period within the Renaissance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
What does "better late than never" mean?
It means it's better to do something late than not do it at all.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
What's the opposite of an "early riser"?
A "night owl," someone who stays up late and wakes up late.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
Is "late" used in terms of maturity or development?
Yes, like "a late bloomer" meaning someone who matures or develops skills later than usual.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
Is "late" always negative?
No, "late" is neutral but can have negative connotations in contexts like tardiness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
Is "early on" a valid phrase?
Yes, "early on" means in the initial stages or beginning of an event or period.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 24, 2023
Are "early" and "late" always related to time?
Primarily, but they can also describe stages, like early or late symptoms of a condition.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
How is "late" used in terms of fashion?
"Fashionably late" is arriving after the expected time, but in a manner that's considered stylish or acceptable.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
How can I use "early" in a sentence about anticipation?
"She eagerly awaited the event and marked her calendar early."
Sara Rehman
Sep 24, 2023
Can "early" mean primitive or rudimentary?
Yes, like "early tools" referring to primitive instruments.
Harlon Moss
Sep 24, 2023
How does one use "early" in terms of investments?
"Getting in early" means investing before something becomes widely recognized or valuable.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 24, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
