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

late , later

adverb

later , late

adjective

a bit previous , aboriginal , ancient , antecedent , antediluvian , antiquated , brand-new , budding , early bird * , fresh , initial , new , original , preceding , premier , prevenient , previous , primal , prime , primeval , primitive , primordial , prior , pristine , proleptical , raw , recent , undeveloped , young , advanced , ahead of time , anticipative , anticipatory , before appointed time , beforehand , direct , immature , immediate , matinal , on short notice , on the dot , overearly , oversoon , precipitant , precocious , preexistent , premature , prompt , pronto , punctual , quick , seasonable , soon , speedy , unanticipated , unexpected , untimely , beginning , first

adverb

a bit previous , ahead of time , anon , beforehand , before long , betimes , briefly , bright and early , directly , early bird * , ere long , far ahead , immediately , in advance , in good time , in the bud , in time , on short notice , on the dot , oversoon , prematurely , presently , previous , promptly , pronto , proximately , quick , shortly , soon , too soon , unexpectedly , with time to spare , at once , first , freshly , in a jiffy , in an instant , in no time , instantaneously , instantly , newly , presto , primitively , recently , right away , seasonably , straightaway , summarily , thereon , thereupon , timely , without delay , ahead , advanced , ancient , antecedent , anterior , archetypal , embryonic , germinal , immature , inchoate , incipient , initial , matinal , matutinal , nascent , preceding , precipitate , precocious , premature , premundane , primal , primeval , primitive , primordial , prior , pristine , punctual , rudimentary , seasonable , seminal , ultimate , untimely