How to pronounce earlier
Say it like UR-lee-er. Earlier has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce earlier. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈɝliɚ/UR-lee-er
UK British/ˈɜːlɪə/UR-leer
- UR
- lee
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Earlier pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- URSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of earlier
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UR-leer.
What does earlier mean?
adverb
- earlier in time; previously“I had known her before”“as I said before”
- comparatives of soon or early“Come a little sooner, if you can”“came earlier than I expected”
- before now“why didn't you tell me in the first place?”
- (comparative and superlative of early) more early than; most early“a fashion popular in earlier times”“his earlier work reflects the influence of his teacher”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying earlier
How do you pronounce earlier?
Say UR-lee-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈɝliɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɜːlɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in earlier?
Earlier has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UR). Broken into parts: UR · lee · er.
Is earlier pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈɜːlɪə/ (UR-leer).