temprano

Definition & meaning

The word temprano has two primary roles in Spanish:

1. Adverb: It means "early" or "ahead of time." It is used to describe actions that happen before the expected or usual time (e.g., "I woke up early").
2. Adjective: It means "early" or "precocious." It describes something that occurs or matures before the usual time (e.g., "an early harvest" or "an early childhood").

Grammar & Word origin

• Grammar: As an adverb, it is invariable and does not change form. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (e.g., fruta temprana for early fruit, frutos tempranos for early fruits).
• Origin: The word comes from the Latin temporaneus, which is derived from tempus, meaning "time."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

• Precoz↗: Used primarily to describe something that develops or matures earlier than expected.
• Anticipado↗: Refers to something done in advance.
• A tiempo[?](vocabuo://word/a tiempo): Meaning "on time," though it often implies being early enough to meet a deadline.

Antonyms

• Tarde↗: The direct opposite, meaning "late" or "after the expected time."
• Atrasado↗: Refers to something that is delayed or behind schedule.