Not late like an aristocrat? (5)
I believe the answer is:
early
'not late' is the definition.
('early' is the opposite to 'late')
'like an aristocrat?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'like' could be 'ly' (similar in meaning) and 'ly' is found in the answer.
'an' could be 'a' and 'a' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'er' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for early that I've seen before include "and 26: Too soon to be sure" , "near beginning" , "This bird gets the worm" , "Untimely" , "Post this for Christmas?" .)