in or during the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc.

early in the year.

in the early part of the morning

to get up early.

before the usual or appointed time; ahead of time

They came early and found their hosts still dressing.

far back in time

The Greeks early learned to sail and navigate.

occurring in the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc.

an early hour of the day.

occurring before the usual or appointed time

an early dinner.

belonging to a period far back in time

early French architecture.

occurring in the near future

I look forward to an early reply.

(of a fruit or vegetable) appearing or maturing before most others of its type

early apples.

a fruit or vegetable that appears before most others of its type. ?

early on, with but little time elapsed; early in the course of a process, project

etc.; early in the game.

adjective

previous , prior , preceding , antecedent , anterior , precedent , foregoing , former , already , before , beforehand , formerly , sooner

adverb

already , before , erstwhile , formerly , once , previously , heretofore , yet , beforehand