frequently_asked_questions_files/Oxford Thesaurus.pdf

excellent ear for the right expression.
early adv. 1 beforehand, ahead (of time), prematurely: I arrived too
early and had to wait. 2 anciently, initially, originally, at
or near the start or beginning: Plants appeared early in the
development of life forms on earth. 3 betimes, at cock crow or
cock's-crow, at (the crack or break of) dawn, at daybreak:
You're up early this morning!
--adj. 4 untimely, premature; inopportune, inappropriate: The
early fruit isn't as sweet. 5 initial, beginning, original,
first, pioneer, advanced: He was one of the earliest writers on
the subject. 6 primeval, primitive, primordial, ancient, old,
prehistoric, antediluvian, original; antique, antiquated: The
Olduvai Gorge has yielded up many early humanoid fossils.
earn v. 1 merit, deserve, be worthy of, be entitled to, win,
warrant, rate, qualify for, have a claim or right to: Peter has
earned everyone's respect. 2 make, pocket, gross, net, clear,
realize, receive, get, procure, collect, reap, bring in, take
home; draw, Colloq US pull down: It is still the case that most
men earn more than their wives.
earnest adj. 1 serious, solemn, grave, sober, intense, steady,
resolute, resolved, firm, determined, assiduous, sincere,
dedicated, committed, devoted, thoughtful: He made an earnest
promise to do his best. 2 zealous, ardent, diligent, assiduous,
industrious, hard-working, devoted, eager, conscientious, keen,
fervent, fervid, enthusiastic, passionate: Burbridge is an
earnest pupil. 3 earnest-money. deposit, down payment, binder,
handsel, guarantee, security, pledge: The company paid œ10,000
earnest-money to secure the bid.
--n. 4 in earnest. serious, sincere: She said she would come,
but I doubt whether she was in earnest.
earnings n.pl. wages, salary, income, compensation, pay, stipend,
emolument, proceeds, return, revenue, yield, takings, Slang
take: The interest from tax-free bonds was not included in my
earnings.
earth n. 1 globe, mother earth, planet, world, blue planet, Terra:
Ozone depletion in the upper atmosphere may be threatening life