Early vs. Late: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Both "early" and "late" have importance in different facets of life, from scheduling and time management to historical references and the development or progression of various phenomena.
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Comparison Chart
Temporal Context
Before the expected time
After the expected time
Historical Context
Refers to an earlier period
Refers to a more recent period
Stages of Development
Initial stages
Advanced stages
Subjectivity
Can vary based on perception
Can vary based on perception
Grammatical Use
Often used as an adverb or adjective
Often used as an adverb or adjective
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Early and Late Definitions
Early
Happening before the usual or expected time.
She arrived early for the meeting.
Late
Coming, occurring, continuing, or remaining after the correct, usual, or expected time; delayed
A late breakfast.
A late meeting.
Early
Occurring in the beginning or first stages.
He showed early signs of talent.
Late
After the usual or expected time on a daily basis.
I work late on Wednesdays.
Early
From or relating to an ancient time.
Early civilizations had diverse cultures.
Late
No longer alive; deceased.
The late musician's albums are still popular.
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.
Late
Occurring at an advanced hour, especially well into the evening or night
A late movie on television.
The late flight to Denver.
Early
Of or belonging to a previous or remote period of time
The early inhabitants of the British Isles.
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.
Early
Of or belonging to an initial stage of development
An early form of life.
An early computer.
Late
Having begun or occurred just previous to the present time; recent
A late development.
Early
Occurring, developing, or appearing before the expected or usual time
An early spring.
An early retirement.
Late
Contemporary; up-to-date
The latest fashion.
Early
Maturing or developing relatively soon
An early variety of tomato.
Late
Having recently occupied a position or place
The company's late president gave the address.
Early
Occurring in the near future
Hoped for an early end to the negotiations.
Late
Dead, especially if only recently deceased
In memory of the late explorer.
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.
Late
After the expected, usual, or proper time
A train that arrived late.
Woke late and had to skip breakfast.
Early
At or near the beginning of the morning
She never used to get up so early.
Late
At or until an advanced hour
Talked late into the evening.
Early
At or during a remote or initial period
Decided very early to go into medicine.
Late
At or into an advanced period or stage
A project undertaken late in her career.
Early
Before the expected or usual time
Arrived at the meeting a few minutes early.
Late
Recently
As late as last week he was still in town.
Early
Soon in relation to others of its kind
A rose that was cultivated to bloom early.
Late
Near the end of a period of time.
It was late in the evening when we finally arrived.
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
Late
Specifically, near the end of the day.
It was getting late and I was tired.
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.
Late
Associated with the end of a period.
Late Latin is less fully inflected than classical Latin.
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.
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.
Early
Near the start of the day.
It's too early for this sort of thing. I'm not awake yet.
Late
Not having had an expected menstrual period.
I'm late, honey. Could you buy a test?
Early
Having begun to occur; in its early stages.
Early cancer
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.
Early
(astronomy) Of a star or class of stars, hotter than the sun.
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
Early
(informal) A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place early in the day.
Late
Recent — relative to the noun it modifies.
Early
At a time before expected; sooner than usual.
We finished the project an hour sooner than scheduled, so we left early.
Late
(astronomy) Of a star or class of stars, cooler than the sun.
Early
Soon; in good time; seasonably.
Late
(informal) A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place late in the day or at night.
Early
Soon; in good season; seasonably; betimes; as, come early.
Those that me early shall find me.
You must wake and call me early.
Late
After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.
We drove as fast as we could, but we still arrived late.
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.
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!
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.
Late
Not long ago; just now.
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
Late
Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring.
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
Late
Far advanced toward the end or close; as, a late hour of the day; a late period of life.
Early
Of the distant past;
The early inhabitants of Europe
Former generations
In other times
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.
Early
Very young;
At an early age
Late
Not long past; happening not long ago; recent; as, the late rains; we have received late intelligence.
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
Late
Continuing or doing until an advanced hour of the night; as, late revels; a late watcher.
Early
Expected in the near future;
Look for an early end to the negotiations
Late
After the usual or proper time, or the time appointed; after delay; as, he arrived late; - opposed to early.
Early
During an early stage;
Early on in her career
Late
Not long ago; lately.
Early
Before the usual time or the time expected;
She graduated early
The house was completed ahead of time
Late
Far in the night, day, week, or other particular period; as, to lie abed late; to sit up late at night.
Early
In good time;
He awoke betimes that morning
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
Early
Pertaining to the first part of a period or lifespan.
Memories from my early childhood are vivid.
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
Early
Of or occurring in the near past.
Early this morning, it rained.
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
Late
Having died recently;
Her late husband
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
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
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
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
Late
To an advanced time;
Deep into the night
Talked late into the evening
Late
At an advanced age or stage;
She married late
Undertook the project late in her career
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
Late
Happening after the expected or usual time.
He was late to the party.
Late
Occurring near the end of a period or lifespan.
My late grandmother was a wonderful storyteller.
Late
Recent in time; not long ago.
Late developments in the case were surprising.
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.
Does "late" always refer to tardiness?
No, "late" can also mean deceased or pertain to a recent time.
Can "early" and "late" be relative terms?
Yes, what's considered early or late can vary based on individual or cultural perspectives.
Can "late" mean deceased?
Yes, as in "the late Mr. Smith."
Can "early" refer to historical periods?
Yes, like "Early Renaissance" indicating an earlier period within the Renaissance.
What does "better late than never" mean?
It means it's better to do something late than not do it at all.
What's the opposite of an "early riser"?
A "night owl," someone who stays up late and wakes up late.
Is "late" used in terms of maturity or development?
Yes, like "a late bloomer" meaning someone who matures or develops skills later than usual.
Is "late" always negative?
No, "late" is neutral but can have negative connotations in contexts like tardiness.
Is "early on" a valid phrase?
Yes, "early on" means in the initial stages or beginning of an event or period.
Are "early" and "late" always related to time?
Primarily, but they can also describe stages, like early or late symptoms of a condition.
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.
How can I use "early" in a sentence about anticipation?
"She eagerly awaited the event and marked her calendar early."
Can "early" mean primitive or rudimentary?
Yes, like "early tools" referring to primitive instruments.
How does one use "early" in terms of investments?
"Getting in early" means investing before something becomes widely recognized or valuable.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
