1. The original or most primitive version of something; the first manifestation or appearance of a thing before any modifications or developments
The earliest form of written language was cuneiform.
A forma mais antiga da linguagem escrita foi a escrita cuneiforme.
2. In linguistics, archaeology, or history: the oldest known version of a word, artifact, or cultural practice
Scholars are studying the earliest form of this manuscript.
Os estudiosos estão examinando a forma mais antiga deste manuscrito.