Having begun to occur; in its early stages.
Near the start or beginning.
Near the start of the day.
At a time in advance of the usual or expected event.
Arriving a time before expected; sooner than on time.
Of a star or class of stars, hotter than the sun.
At a time before expected; sooner than usual.
Soon; in good time; seasonably.
A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place early in the day.
In preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory.
Any of a series of sports events that determine the finalists
A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.
A relatively minor contest that precedes a major one, especially in boxing