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Beginner's Dictionary
       

late

 
 
pronunciation:
leIt
parts of speech:
adjective, adverb
features:
Word History
part of speech: adjective
inflections: later, latest
definition 1: happening after the usual or expected time.
I was late to work because I missed the bus.
antonyms:
early, prompt, punctual
similar words:
slow
definition 2: happening near the end of a period of time.
We got back home in the late evening.It's late. Let's go to bed.
 
part of speech: adverb
inflections: later, latest
definition: after the usual or expected time.
The bus arrived late.
antonyms:
early, in time
similar words:
slowly
derivation: lateness (n.)
Word History
Late comes from an early English word that meant "slow," "lazy," or "sluggish." It was first used in its present meaning ("not on time") in the 1200s. Today, it is possible to be late without being lazy.