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Earlier vs Formerly - What's the difference?

earlier | formerly |

As adverbs the difference between earlier and formerly

is that earlier is comparative of early while formerly is at some time in the past.

As an adjective earlier

is comparative of early.

earlier

English

Adjective

(head)
  • (early)
  • occurring previously
    • I shall be late because I missed the earlier train.

    Adverb

    (head)
  • (early)
  • previously; before now; sooner
    • I shall be late because I didn't start earlier .

    formerly

    English

    Adverb

    (-)
  • at some time in the past
  • previously; once