late
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- 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 because I missed the bus.- synonyms:
- belated, overdue, tardy
- antonyms:
- early, prompt, punctual
- similar words:
- slow
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| definition 2: |
happening toward the end of the night or evening.
It's late, so I think I'll go to bed.- similar words:
- waning
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| definition 3: |
happening not long ago; recent.
Did you hear the latest news?- synonyms:
- new, recent
- antonyms:
- old
- similar words:
- brand-new, fresh, up-to-date
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| definition 4: |
having died.
We all loved the late Mr. Smith.- synonyms:
- dead, deceased
- antonyms:
- living
- similar words:
- expired, lifeless
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| related words: |
contemporary, evening |
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| part of speech: |
adverb |
| inflections: |
later, latest |
| definition 1: |
after the usual or expected time.
The bus arrived late.- synonyms:
- belatedly, tardily
- antonyms:
- early
- similar words:
- slowly
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| definition 2: |
at or to a time or period near the end.
Success came to him late in life.- antonyms:
- early
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| derivation: |
lateness (n.) |
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.