English pronunciation · Words Starting with E
Early Pronunciation
Early is pronounced UR-lee, IPA /ˈɝli/.
UR-lee
US /ˈɝli/ · UK /ˈɜːli/
Syllables: UR · lee (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
adjective and adverb: Before the usual or expected time.
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Early in a Sentence
- They were an hour early for the ferry.
- The early train is almost always empty.
- Her early work is far better known than the later books.
Common Mispronunciations of Early
Not EE-lee
This ear carries the vowel of her, so there is no ee anywhere in the word.
Not er-LEE
Weight on the first of the two beats, with a light lee behind it.
Tip: Early, earth and earn share this vowel, while ear and hear do not.
More words starting with e · Every word in the pronunciation guide