Pronunciation: [ˈɜːlɪ dˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "early day" is quite straightforward. The word "early" is spelled /ˈɜː.li/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "e" at the beginning is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by the long "e" sound. The "a" in "day" is pronounced as the long "a" sound, as in "say", /deɪ/. When used together, "early day" represents the beginning or start of something, such as "in the early days of our friendship".
Early day refers to the initial part or period of the day, specifically the early morning hours. The term "early day" is often used to denote the time range from the first light of dawn to shortly after sunrise. It is the earliest segment of daylight, characterized by the gradual emergence of sunlight, and generally considered the beginning of the day.
Used more broadly, "early day" can also refer to the initial phase or early stages of any particular activity, event, or era. In this context, it implies the early time or period in the development or progression of something. For instance, in historical contexts, "early day" signifies the earliest times or beginnings of a certain civilization, culture, or time period.
Furthermore, the term can be used metaphorically to describe a state of the past or bygone eras, emphasizing the remoteness or antiquity of a given historical period or epoch. This usage is often seen in literature, poetry, or nostalgic reminiscences.
In summary, "early day" encompasses both the earliest hours of the morning as well as the initial stages or beginnings of various activities or time periods, while also evoking a sense of historical remoteness or a bygone era.
The etymology of the phrase "early day" can be understood by examining the roots of the individual words involved.
1. "Early": The word "early" comes from the Old English word "ærlīce" which means "in the morning", "at sunrise", or "ahead of usual time". It can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word "arlijaz", derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂éryos which means "early" or "spring". This root is related to the Latin word "heri" meaning "yesterday", indicating that mornings and evenings were considered related concepts in various languages.
2. "Day": The English word "day" is derived from the Old English word "dæġ", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "dagaz".
