WordGarden.iolate
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈeɪt/
US
- /ˈleɪt/
Meanings
Adjective
arriving, happening, or done after the expected or scheduled time
near the end of a period, stage, or historical era
recently dead, used especially before a person's name or title
Adverb
after the expected or usual time
at or toward the end of a period or stage
Beyond the definition
Being "late" isn't just about clocks and calendars; it's about expectations. If you promised to meet a friend at noon and arrive at 12:15, you are late—you haven't met their expectation of punctuality. But "late" can also describe something happening towards the end of a period. A late harvest means crops were gathered near the very end of the growing season. Furthermore, "late" is a respectful way to describe someone who is no longer living, such as a "late husband" or "late mother."
Think about a train schedule: a "late arrival" causes delays for everyone downstream. Or consider a flower—a "late bloomer" takes its time to reveal its beauty. The meaning shifts with the context, but it always involves a relationship to time, expectation, and the conclusion of cycles.
The word "late" has several layers of meaning, all revolving around the concept of time. Most commonly, "late" describes something happening after the expected or scheduled time. If you're late for work, you arrived after your shift was supposed to begin. Similarly, a late payment often incurs a fee because it wasn't made by the agreed-upon deadline.
However, "late" isn't always about being tardy. It frequently refers to something occurring towards the end of a specific period—like "late summer," the "late nineties," or a "late edition" of a newspaper. In these cases, it simply indicates proximity to the conclusion of a timeframe or a sequence.
"Late" takes on a more somber, respectful meaning when used to describe someone who has passed away. We speak of a "late wife," "late father," or "late friend" to acknowledge they are no longer with us. This usage is rooted in the idea that their life has concluded, and they exist now in our memory.
Finally, "late" can also appear in expressions about the recent past, especially in the phrase "of late," which means "recently." For example, "She has been very busy of late" means she has been very busy in recent days or weeks. Whether it's a missed appointment, the end of a season, or a remembrance of someone gone, "late" is a word that constantly reminds us of our relationship with time and how we measure its passing.
Examples
- 1
Apology
Sorry I'm late; the bus was stuck in traffic.
- 2
Transport delay
The train was twenty minutes late.
- 3
Work schedule
She often works late when a project is almost finished.
- 4
Night activity
We stayed up late watching a movie.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Meal time
They had a late lunch after the meeting.
- 6
Evening time
It was already late in the evening when we got home.
- 7
Life stage
He started learning piano late in life.
- 8
Payment deadline
The rent is late again this month.
- 9
Deadline
Please send the form by Friday at the latest.
- Phraseat the latest
no later than this time
- 10
Missed chance
By the time we found out, it was too late to change the plan.
- 11
Age range
My grandmother was in her late seventies when she wrote her first book.
- Phrasein your late seventies
about 77 to 79 years old
- 12
Respectful reference
The award was named after the late Dr. Harris.
- Patternthe late + name/title
someone who has died
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lateadjectiveadverb
Forms
- latercomparativeadjectiveadverb
- latestsuperlativeadjectiveadverb