Pronunciation: [ˈɜːlɪ mˈiːl] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "early meal" is /ˈɜːrli miːl/. The first syllable is pronounced with an "er" sound, followed by the long "e" vowel sound in the second syllable. The final syllable is pronounced with a soft "l" sound. The spelling of this word is consistent with standard English phonetic rules. An early meal is a meal that is typically eaten in the morning or at an earlier time than the other meals of the day.
An early meal is a term used to describe a food consumption event that takes place in the earlier hours of the day, typically before noon, either as breakfast, brunch, or a light meal. It refers to a specific period during the morning where individuals partake in nourishing themselves either to break their prolonged overnight fasting or to satisfy their appetite before moving on with daily activities. An early meal varies in content and cultural significance across different regions and communities.
In Western culture, breakfast is the most common early meal consumed, focusing on providing the necessary nutrients and energy to start the day. Traditional breakfast options include a combination of cereal, fruit, dairy products, bread, and beverages such as coffee or tea. Brunch, a combination of breakfast and lunch, typically takes place towards the late morning or early afternoon and consists of a wider range of food choices, including both breakfast and lunch items.
In other cultures, an early meal might differ significantly. For example, in Asian countries, a typical early meal may consist of rice or noodles, accompanied by vegetables, meat, fish, or soup. In certain religious and cultural practices, an early meal might hold special significance, such as in the form of ceremonial or ritualistic food consumed during festivities or specific occasions.
Overall, an early meal is a vital opportunity to kickstart metabolism, provide necessary nutrients, and fuel the body and mind for the tasks ahead. It serves as an essential component of daily sustenance and contributes to overall health and well-being.
The etymology of the word "early meal" is a combination of the Old English word "eorlic" meaning "early" and the Middle English word "mēl" meaning "meal". It derives from the Proto-Germanic word "erlīko-" which means "early" and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root "ḗrsos" meaning "early morning". The word "meal" can be traced back to the Old English word "mǣl" which originally referred to a specific time or occasion of eating. Over time, it evolved to refer to the food consumed during that particular time or occasion.
